The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be facing a significant shift in northern Nigeria as Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is reportedly preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) this week.
Insiders say that while the specifics of the defection are still being finalized, Mohammed has reportedly been offered an APC senatorial ticket along with benefits comparable to other governors who have switched parties.
In discussions with President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders, Mohammed is said to have expressed his intention to move to the ruling party. Political analysts suggest that the defection could be influenced by legal challenges involving his Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is facing terrorism and money laundering allegations linked to roughly N4.6 billion, with claims that the commissioner threatened to involve the governor if not released.
Unlike previous defections, Mohammed will reportedly face stricter conditions. Sources indicate that he will not gain control of APC structures in Bauchi State, unlike earlier entrants, and will only receive the Senate ticket with no power to appoint a successor.
Additionally, Mohammed is said to be required to issue an apology to Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, following a prior incident in which Mohammed’s son criticized Seyi Tinubu over Ramadan food palliatives, urging sustainable empowerment initiatives instead of handouts.
