Plans by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have collapsed.
Legit gathered that this follows disagreements over a proposed power-sharing arrangement
Negotiations between the governor’s faction of the PDP and APC leaders reportedly ended in a stalemate after the ruling party declined to accept a 60–40 formula for control of party structures in the state.
Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Saturday, April 18
He said the talks, initiated through the governor and involving APC national leaders, failed to produce an agreement. “This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion.
You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party,” Burga said. He added, “We have called for this press conference at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor, who is leading the discussions.”
Burga noted that extensive consultations were held among stakeholders before the decision to discontinue the negotiations was reached, Punch reported.
“After careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership.
In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued,” he said.
The aborted move comes despite efforts by key figures, including Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf, who reportedly engaged Mohammed in discussions aimed at persuading him to join the APC.
Following the breakdown of talks, the governor’s camp has signalled openness to exploring other political platforms.
“While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close,” Burga said.
“Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options other than the APC to determine the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State,” he added.
The development marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, as realignment discussions continue ahead of future elections, Vanguard reported.
