Defection: I Have Suddenly Become Global Personality – Gov Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said he has suddenly become a global personality because of his reported plans to defect from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports have been rife about the governor’s negotiation to join the APC. But the governor, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, had remained silent on the issue.

But speaking briefly with journalists on Wednesday, shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House, Bauchi, Mohammed acknowledged the growing speculation but avoided giving a direct response.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved. It shows the level of attention and relevance we carry. I am now a global personality all of a sudden,” he said.

The Governor maintained that discussions about his political future have continued to gain traction both within and outside the state, despite his silence.

He, however, assured that he would address the matter comprehensively at the appropriate time. “There will be a time for that conversation. I will speak on it fully during a media chat by 7pm on Channels Television,” he had earlier stated, noting that he did not want to localise the issue.

Despite the assurance, he did not appear on the programme as expected.

However, our Correspondent monitored the programme between 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday and showed that he did not feature as anticipated.

Sources later suggested that the governor may have been advised to hold back on the interview for now.

LEADERSHIP on Wednesday reported that the APC at the grassroots level expressed readiness to welcome the governor if he decides to defect.

The APC Chairman in Yuli Ward of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Nuhu Muhammad, said there has been no official communication regarding such a move.

“We have not received any information or statement on this issue. Like everyone else, we are only hearing the rumours,” he said.

He explained that any formal indication by the governor would be communicated through party structures, beginning from the ward level to the local government and then to the state leadership.

Nuhu added that the party remains open to receiving the governor.

“We are ready to receive him if he decides to return to our party,” he said.

End