Bauchi APC Caucus Split Over Gov Bala Mohammed’s Planned Defection

The Bauchi state Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sharply divided over whether to admit Governor Bala Mohammed into the party or not.

The division became visible during a caucus meeting held in Abuja, where members expressed divergent views on the political and structural implications of the governor’s proposed defection.

In order to resolve the division,  the caucus unanimously agreed to constitute a high-powered committee.

Acting Secretary of the caucus, Hon. Dabo Ismail, said the committee had been mandated to articulate and present the caucus’ demands and conditions to the party’s national leadership in the event of any defection into the APC.

The committee will also engage critical stakeholders to ensure a smooth and inclusive negotiation process, represent the caucus in all discussions relating to potential defections from the PDP-led government, and provide periodic updates to members on the progress of engagements.

Ismail, however said the Governor is welcomed to join the party, but urged the National Leadership of the party to carry stakeholders at the state along in the negotiations.

Ismail described the initiative as a “democratic mechanism” designed to accommodate differing opinions while preserving party cohesion.

Speaking after the caucus meeting, the Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Bauchi APC caucus, Sama’ila Dahuwa, expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as a lack of prior consultation by the party’s national leadership on a matter of such significance.

According to the caucus sidelining state stakeholders undermines the principles of internal democracy, inclusiveness, and respect for established party structures.

“The omission is unacceptable,” the caucus stated, warning against imposing decisions without broad-based engagement with key stakeholders at the state level,”Dahuwa said.

He disclosed that the committee comprised top-ranking party figures, including a serving minister, former governors and two senators.

The caucus resolved to formally communicate its position and grievances to the APC national leadership, insisting on strict adherence to due process and internal consultation.

The caucus warned that poorly managed integration of new entrants could alienate loyal party members and weaken cohesion within the party.

LEADERSHIP reports that the ruling APC and the opposition coalition African Development Congress (ADC) are locked in a battle over who will succeed in wooing Mohammed to join their fold.

The tussle came to a head when the APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, led a delegation to visit Governor Mohammed, who had earlier hinted about his move to ADC today.

The Yilwatda-led 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 a few minutes.

Governor Mohammed announced his intention to leave the PDP, where he currently serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and revealed that his political camp was considering 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.