Fresh divisions have surfaced within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the anticipated defection of Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, as high-level consultations intensify ahead of a possible exit from the opposition.
While some figures within the party are said to be quietly supportive of the move, others—particularly within the Bauchi chapter—have voiced strong reservations, warning that his admission could unsettle internal structures and deepen mistrust.
The governor’s recent flurry of engagements with senior APC figures at both state and national levels has fuelled speculation that a switch from the Peoples Democratic Party may be imminent.
A member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Mohammed had sustained consultations following a recent meeting with APC lawmakers from the state.
“Nothing is certain yet and we can’t discuss agreements and concessions for now,” the lawmaker said. “But what I can tell you is that he is still speaking with APC stakeholders both at the Senate and national levels.”
According to the lawmaker, federal legislators from Bauchi who met the governor at his Abuja residence last week signalled a willingness to support him should he eventually join the ruling party—an indication of growing, if cautious, alignment.
The meeting, which brought together members of the Bauchi caucus in the House of Representatives, is widely viewed as part of a broader strategy by Mohammed to build consensus and secure political leverage ahead of any formal announcement.
Ismaila Dabo, who represents Toro federal constituency, described the engagement as “fruitful”, hinting at wider political realignments across the north-east and beyond. He said consultations were ongoing and that a collective position would be made public “at the appropriate time”.
Though no official confirmation has been given, insiders say the pace and scope of the governor’s outreach suggest a carefully calibrated effort to negotiate his entry into the APC on favourable terms.
The manoeuvring comes against the backdrop of a deepening crisis within the PDP, which has seen internal divisions widen and defections gather pace as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mohammed, alongside Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde, remains among the few influential PDP figures yet to declare a shift.
Earlier indications that he might align with the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader opposition coalition now appear to have given way to renewed engagement with the ruling party, suggesting a possible change in strategy.
But resistance within the APC is becoming more organised. A coalition operating under the banner of the APC Solidarity Group and Allied Associations has openly opposed Mohammed’s entry, warning it could destabilise the party in Bauchi and erode its credibility.
In a petition addressed to the APC national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, the group argued that the governor’s admission risked triggering internal rivalries and undermining the structures built by longstanding members.
The group cited Mohammed’s history of public criticism of the APC and the administration of Bola Tinubu, including his frequent attribution of economic hardship and security challenges to the federal government.
Such positions, it said, could create a trust deficit within the party and weaken its public image at a critical political moment.
It also raised concerns about what it described as declining public goodwill towards the governor and questioned his political reliability, warning that his entry could introduce instability rather than strengthen the party.
The emerging fault lines underscore the delicate balancing act facing the APC as it weighs the potential electoral advantage of absorbing a sitting governor against the risk of internal fragmentation.
For Mohammed, the decision appears equally strategic—one shaped by the shifting dynamics of national politics and the advantages of aligning with a party that controls the federal government.
As consultations continue behind closed doors, the outcome could reshape political alignments in Bauchi and beyond, offering an early glimpse of the alliances likely to define Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
