Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Bauchi South senatorial seat in the 2027 elections after attending the national executive committee meeting of the Allied Peoples Movement and picking up the party’s nomination form.
Mohammed disclosed the move in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Thursday, saying he attended the NEC meeting presided over by the party’s national chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle.
According to the governor, the meeting focused on key national and party issues and also provided an opportunity for him to familiarise himself with the APM leadership following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the Allied Peoples Movement … alongside key stakeholders and members of the party leadership,” he said.
Mohammed described Nigeria’s political climate as increasingly difficult, accusing political actors of engaging in undemocratic practices and intimidation.
He said consultations with political associates, stakeholders and supporters across the country had convinced him that the APM offered the most suitable political platform for his future ambitions and ideological outlook.
The governor argued that the party aligned with his political philosophy on governance, justice, inclusiveness, internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“Our decision to join the party was driven by conviction and the desire to contribute meaningfully to building a stronger democratic culture in Nigeria,” he said.
Mohammed also claimed that several political office holders and party stakeholders who had previously operated under the PDP in Bauchi State had moved with him to the APM.
According to him, members of the National Assembly, the Bauchi State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners, ward executives and grassroots supporters had all aligned with the new platform.
He pledged to deploy his political experience, influence and resources towards strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
“During the meeting, I officially picked up my nomination form to contest the Senate seat representing Bauchi South Senatorial District under the platform of the APM ahead of the forthcoming elections,” he added.
Mohammed formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party on 2 May after months of internal turmoil within the opposition party.
He attributed his decision to the lingering leadership crisis that followed a supreme court judgment nullifying parallel conventions organised by rival PDP factions.
According to the governor, the ruling fundamentally altered the party’s internal structure and left its board of trustees temporarily overseeing its affairs.
Despite efforts to restore stability, Mohammed said the crisis persisted, making it necessary to seek what he described as a more viable and legally stable political platform.
He characterised the APM as a party free from legal disputes and capable of guaranteeing political continuity and electoral competitiveness ahead of 2027.
The governor also disclosed that members of the state executive council seeking elective office had resigned in compliance with electoral regulations.
