The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent defections of some of its key members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as worrisome but not unexpected.
The party, however, maintained that it remains strong, united, and resilient in the face of current political challenges as it prepares for its National Convention slated for November.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inaugural meeting of the Publicity and Communication Subcommittee of the National Convention Organising Committee in Abuja, Chairman of the subcommittee and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed shed light on recent developments within the opposition party.
He admitted that the defection of key political figures, including Governors, is a cause for concern but maintained that as a leader among equals, he cannot dictate the political choices of his colleagues.
“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 equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. However, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.
According to him, the ruling APC has deployed the instruments of state power to pressure opposition figures in a bid to create a one-party state.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government. They are doing everything possible to make Nigeria a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” Governor Mohammed stated.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that the PDP will weather the storm, noting that the defections would have been more damaging if not for ongoing strategic engagements and internal consultations within the party.
“I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections,” he said.
Governor Mohammed explained that many defections are driven by personal calculations and political permutations rather than ideological shifts.
Nonetheless, he affirmed his personal loyalty to the PDP, stressing that “his state remains firmly under the party’s control with no internal cracks.”
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled; they are being bought. But certainly, the state is PDP, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he said.
The Governor argued that most of the notable achievements recorded by the Nigerian government since 1999 were initiated during PDP administrations.
He expressed optimism that the party would produce new credible leadership to defeat the APC in the 2027 general elections.
“By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Nobody stops you from leaving, so that you can create another space for others to come around for governance. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he added.
Threats to Convention
On concerns that litigations and internal legal disputes may threaten the forthcoming National Convention, the Governor clarified that the PDP remains united and unfractionalised, despite attempts by external forces to destabilise it.
He acknowledged that some party members at the state level have approached the courts to stop the convention but assured that these issues are being handled squarely.
“Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are better off than most opposition parties. We have one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary. This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver,” he emphasized.
Peter Mbah’s Rumoured Defection
The Bauchi Governor also reacted to media reports that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has defected to the APC, stating that Mbah has not officially communicated any decision to leave the PDP.
“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he explained.
He disclosed that he had personally spoken with Mbah, who gave assurances regarding his loyalty to the PDP.
The Governor also spoke on the political speculations surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan and his possible involvement in PDP’s 2027 plans.
He welcomed the continued interest of political heavyweights in the party, saying their involvement boosts the morale of members.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside,” Governor Mohammed said
He recalled his own political journey, noting that he willingly stepped down from the presidential race in 2023 to pursue a governorship ambition, underscoring his commitment to the party’s collective interest over personal ambition.
On Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Commenting on the situation in Rivers State, he clarified that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains a member of the PDP despite the complex political dynamics in the state.
“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in. Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy,” he added
With the National Convention fast approaching, the PDP leadership appears determined to project a united front despite the turbulence of defections, litigations, and internal realignments.
Political observers say the party’s ability to manage these challenges in the coming weeks will shape its strength and credibility as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.