Bala Mohammed: Defections Won’t Break PDP, We’ll Return to Aso Villa in 2027

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has declared that the opposition party will overcome recent defections and reclaim power in 2027 despite attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken it.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, the Bauchi governor — who also heads the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee — admitted concern over some defections but said the party was quietly rebuilding and reorganising itself.

“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equals, I cannot determine the actions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” Mohammed said.

He accused the APC-led federal government of using coercive tactics to create a one-party system.

“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led government — they want to make Nigeria a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.

Despite the political turbulence, Mohammed insisted that the PDP remained deeply rooted at the grassroots and that defections had not affected its core support base.

“Even those who left are not finding it easy because most of the people at the grassroots are PDP and are not happy with the defections. Sometimes, it is all about political permutations and calculations. But I assure you, I am not going anywhere. My state has no division — Bauchi is PDP,” he affirmed.

While acknowledging that more defections — including from lawmakers in his state — could still occur, he maintained that the PDP remained the only credible alternative Nigerians could trust.

“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled and bought, but the state is still PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he added.

“PDP Built Nigeria’s Foundations”

Governor Mohammed said most of Nigeria’s major achievements were initiated under PDP governments, expressing confidence that the party would bounce back in 2027.

“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who were underestimated have proven ourselves as governors — that same story will play out in 2027,” he said.

On preparations for the PDP’s upcoming convention, Mohammed said internal disputes and litigations were being handled to ensure stability.

“Many of these court cases are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP. Comparatively, we are better off than most opposition parties — we have one National Chairman, one Secretary, and one Publicity Secretary,” he stated.

On Mbah, Fubara, and Jonathan

Reacting to rumours that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu might defect, Mohammed said Mbah had not formally communicated any intention to leave.

“Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We can’t remove his picture before he leaves,” he said.

He also dismissed reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was planning to exit the party.

“He has not left the PDP. He is a humble young man who has faced many challenges and handled them well,” he added.

Commenting on speculation about a possible 2027 presidential bid involving former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mohammed said the PDP remained open to welcoming back respected figures.

“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we are united and will produce the best leadership for Nigerians to return to Aso Rock, inshallah,” he said.

Mohammed reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stressing that defections were temporary setbacks.

“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go and come back. Please don’t blame anybody. We are doing our best, but some things are beyond our control,” he concluded.

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