Bala Mohammed has spoken on Peter Mbah’s rumoured defection from APC to PDP, says PDP remains strong ahead of 2027 elections.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has reacted to reports that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is preparing to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Mohammed clarified that Mbah had not officially communicated any plan to leave the PDP, stressing that the Enugu governor remains a respected member of the party.
ALSO: Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Set to Dump PDP for APC Ahead of 2027 Elections
“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,” Mohammed said.
The Bauchi governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, dismissed similar rumours about Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing him as a loyal and resilient PDP member who has endured enormous challenges since assuming office.
“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. He’s a humble young man who has gone through so much and done well to accommodate all the challenges he found himself in,” he added.
Defections Won’t Weaken PDP — Bala Mohammed
Governor Mohammed admitted that he is concerned about recent defections by some PDP governors and lawmakers but maintained that the party remains strong and focused on reclaiming power in 2027.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. I cannot determine the actions of my colleagues, but a lot is being done behind the scenes,” he said.
He accused the APC-led federal government of using coercion and manipulation to weaken the opposition, warning that the ruling party was attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government — they are trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” Mohammed said.
Despite these challenges, the Bauchi governor expressed optimism that the PDP’s grassroots support remains intact, noting that defections have not dampened the loyalty of ordinary Nigerians to the party.
“Even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots are PDP. Sometimes, defections are based on political calculations. But I assure you, I’m not going anywhere. Bauchi remains PDP,” he declared.
PDP Still Nigeria’s Strongest Opposition Party
Mohammed acknowledged that some lawmakers in his state might still defect, but insisted that the PDP structure in Bauchi and across Nigeria remains solid.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being bought, but the state is still PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe it can come through the PDP,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the PDP laid the foundation for many of Nigeria’s major achievements and remains the only party capable of restoring national stability.
“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. If we stand firm, we will deliver again in 2027,” Mohammed asserted.
On PDP Convention and 2027 Elections
Addressing concerns about the upcoming PDP national convention, Mohammed said the party leadership is working to resolve internal disputes and court cases aimed at destabilising preparations.
“Many of the litigations are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP. We are better organised than most opposition parties,” he stated.
On speculations linking former President Goodluck Jonathan to a 2027 presidential comeback under the PDP, Mohammed said the party welcomes all prominent figures interested in returning.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians,” he said.
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his total commitment to the PDP, saying defections by some members will not derail the party’s resurgence.
“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he concluded.
