Efforts by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have collapsed following disagreements over a proposed sharing of party control in the state.
Talks involving the governor’s Turaki-led PDP faction and the APC leadership reportedly ended without agreement after the ruling party rejected a 60–40 formula suggested for the distribution of party structure.
Despite the breakdown in negotiations, the governor and his allies have indicated a willingness to explore alternative political platforms, with consultations ongoing across various levels.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction, Sama’ila Burga, said the APC’s stance demonstrated a lack of readiness to accommodate the existing PDP structure alongside the state government.
Burga revealed that the APC initiated the engagement through the governor, with involvement from the party’s national leadership as well as the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who visited Bauchi as part of efforts to persuade Mohammed to join the party.
He explained that discussions stalled after the APC declined to accept the proposed sharing formula, which he said had been applied in similar political transitions elsewhere.
According to him, it would be unreasonable for a sitting government transferring its structure from the grassroots to the state level to have limited influence within the party.
Burga said the press briefing was convened at the instance of the governor, who had been leading the consultations.
He added that after extensive deliberations with key stakeholders, the PDP faction resolved to end the talks due to the inability of both sides to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement.
While acknowledging the APC’s outreach, Burga confirmed that the dialogue had been formally discontinued.
He further disclosed that the PDP faction in Bauchi State is now evaluating other political options outside the APC, with a view to determining the most viable path forward in line with the interests of the state and its residents.
