2027: APC Chieftain Backs Gov Bala Mohammed’s Defection Move, Slams Bauchi Caucus

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Comrade Aliyu Abdullahi Ilelah, has criticised party stakeholders opposing the planned defection of Governor Bala Mohammed to the APC, describing them as self-centred politicians working against President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Ilelah made the remarks on Wednesday in Bauchi while addressing journalists alongside hundreds of his supporters.

He was reacting to the position of a Bauchi APC caucus reportedly led by Senator Samaila Dahuwa, representing Bauchi North, which opposed moves to admit the governor into the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the caucus’ stance as “Curious, bitter and driven by personal interests,” arguing that such opposition undermines the collective goal of strengthening the APC for future elections.

According to him, it is disrespectful to the party’s national leadership and President Bola Tinubu, especially at a time when efforts are being made at the national level to attract the Governor into the party.

“While the President and APC leadership are reaching out to the Governor, some individuals are busy trying to shut the door against him. The party does not belong to a few people,” Ilelah said.

He accused some members of the caucus of pursuing personal ambitions, noting that many of them had previously switched political parties after losing primary elections or defected into the APC without broad consultations.

Ilelah warned that such actions could harm President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections, stressing that excluding a sitting governor with significant political influence would be a costly mistake.

He maintained that the majority of APC supporters in Bauchi State favour the governor’s defection and are willing to support him if he joins the party.

“We support President Tinubu’s second term bid, but we reject attempts by a few individuals to block a sitting governor who could become one of the President’s strongest electoral assets, not just in Bauchi State but beyond,” he added.

The APC chieftain emphasised that no serious political party would ignore the electoral value of a sitting governor, who commands a large political structure, including appointees, local government officials, and grassroots supporters.

He further argued that the caucus’ position reflects a growing disconnect between some party leaders and the people, as well as a misalignment with the President’s broader political strategy.

Ilelah warned that any move to alienate Governor Bala Mohammed would be “Short-sighted and dangerous” to the APC’s national interest.

He also cited recent political alignments across several states as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s inclusive approach to politics, which he said should be encouraged rather than resisted.

Describing the caucus’ actions as a “Dangerous contradiction,” Ilelah questioned their loyalty to the party’s leadership and urged them to prioritise unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

He, however, appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed to remain patient and proceed with his decision to join the APC, assuring him of a warm reception from party members committed to the progress of both the party and Bauchi State.