Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has said that PDP governors and members who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress are facing political difficulties in their new party.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday after inaugurating the PDP Convention Communication Sub-committee, which he chairs, Mohammed stated that PDP governors are quietly working to maintain party unity as the 2027 general elections approach.
He also noted that the continued association of prominent national figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with the PDP is an indication of Nigerians’ enduring interest in the party.
“In recent months, key political figures have joined the African Democratic Congress-led opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu,” Mohammed noted.
However, several PDP leaders have also decamped to the APC, including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa. With the PDP’s National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, there are reports that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri may also switch allegiance to the APC before the convention.
Reacting to the wave of defections, Mohammed expressed concern but acknowledged the limitations of his leadership role within the party.
“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.
“This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing. You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.
“I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections.
“Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.”
He added that despite defections, PDP remains strong at the grassroots. “Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes.”
Mohammed urged those planning to leave the party to do so respectfully and without damaging the PDP’s reputation, noting that their exit could create space for capable Nigerians to emerge as new party leaders. He also expressed hope that the upcoming convention would produce leaders who can effectively challenge the APC in 2027 and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Addressing internal party challenges, he acknowledged ongoing litigations instigated by some members but downplayed any suggestion of serious division within the party.
“I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP.
“At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court not to go for a convention. This is not good and makes some at the National Assembly feel unsafe.
“We are addressing these issues squarely. Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact—with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.”
When asked about efforts to woo back key political figures such as Jonathan and Obi, Mohammed said their perceived links to the PDP are encouraging.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names (Jonathan, Obi and others) being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. I have exceeded my personal expectations. I stepped out to be a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, but I stepped down to become a governor. I have done my best and I’m happy.
“We have removed personal interests. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock.”
