PDP Crisis: Gov Bala Leads Mass Defection To APM

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), bringing an end to weeks of speculation triggered by the party’s leadership crisis.

Governor Bala made the declaration on Saturday at the Government House in Bauchi, in the presence of key political stakeholders in the state.

National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, who presided over the event, formally registered the Governor into the party and presented him with a membership card, party flag, and constitution.

The defection comes alongside a broader political realignment, as members of the State Executive Council had earlier resigned their positions to pursue elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

Explaining his decision, Governor Mohammed said it followed recent developments, particularly the Supreme Court judgment on the PDP leadership crisis, which has reshaped the party’’s structure and created uncertainty.

He noted that, as a responsible leader, he could not allow his supporters to remain without a credible and effective political platform.

“After careful deliberation and wide consultations, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the APM,” he said.

The Governor expressed gratitude to PDP members and supporters for their loyalty and resilience, acknowledging the party’s role in his political journey.

“The PDP has provided a platform through which we have served, grown, and contributed meaningfully to the development of our state and the nation. We remain grateful for this history,” he said.

He, however, stressed that efforts to stabilise the PDP after extensive engagements at the highest levels had not produced the desired outcome.

“Our overriding objective is to secure victory and continue to serve our people with purpose and integrity. The APM offers us a viable platform to organise, mobilise, and present a credible alternative,” he added.

Governor Mohammed also revealed that due diligence had been conducted on the APM, assuring that the party is free of legal encumbrances capable of undermining their political aspirations.

He commended members of the State Executive Council who resigned to pursue elective positions, describing their contributions as invaluable.

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic values, the governor said the move was not a retreat but a strategic repositioning.

“To ensure a seamless and lawful transition, we have established a compliance committee, commenced membership registration, and set up structures to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he said.

He also announced plans for coordinated grassroots mobilisation across the state.

Governor Mohammed urged supporters to remain calm, united, and focused, emphasising the need to engage citizens with their record of governance and future vision.

He assured the APM leadership that his movement would not create disruption but would instead contribute positively to strengthening democratic structures.

For his part, national chairman of the APM, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated the governor on joining the APM, describing the party as a disciplined and transparent platform guided by the philosophy of “Nigeria First,” with core values of integrity, sacrifice, and service.

He assured the governor of the party’s full support, noting that the APM remains stable and free of internal crises.