APC National Chair Led Delegation Meets Gov Bala Amid Defection Moves

A delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday visited Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, amid reports of his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The delegation, which also included Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, held a closed-door meeting with the governor at the Bauchi State Government House for some minutes. However, they declined to disclose details of their discussions to journalists after the meeting.

Efforts by journalists to obtain the outcome of the meeting proved unsuccessful, further fueling speculation about the purpose of the visit.

However, it is believed that the APC delegation may have been in Bauchi to persuade Governor Mohammed to reconsider his earlier decision to join the ADC and instead defect to the ruling party.

Both the APC delegation and the Governor Bala declined comments. There was also no official statement issued.

The development follows the Governor Bala’s recent declaration of his intention to leave the PDP, where he currently serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

On Tuesday, Governor Bala announced his his intention to leave the PDP, where he currently serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, revealed that his political camp was considering towards the ADC after exploring multiple options, including the APC.

He made the disclosure while receiving an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, at the Ramat House in Bauchi.

“We left all our options open, including the APC, but we have realised that we cannot remain where we are not wanted. We must find a place within the opposition. That is why our political destiny appears to be tilting towards the ADC,” the governor said.

He described the ADC as a viable and increasingly attractive platform but noted that consultations were still ongoing and no final decision had been reached.

“As of now, our preferred destination is the ADC, but discussions are not yet concluded in a way that ensures deep stakeholder collaboration. We want to avoid making mistakes,” he added.

Governor Mohammed explained that his cautious approach is informed by his responsibility to both Bauchi State and the broader national political landscape.

“Because I am managing two constituencies, Bauchi State and the federation, we must proceed carefully. We need to align with the interests of stakeholders at both national and sub-national levels,” he said.

He further disclosed that committees have been set up at both national and state levels to evaluate political options and guide the decision-making process.

Earlier, Babachir David Lawal, who led the ADC delegation, said their visit was at the instance of the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, to formally invite the governor to join the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lawal described Governor Mohammed as a bold and influential political figure whose defection would significantly strengthen the party’s electoral prospects. He also emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties, warning that disunity could pose risks to Nigeria’s democracy.