By Ayomide Otitoju
Bala Mohammed has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), alongside loyal members of the party’s Tanimu Turaki-led faction.
Mohammed made the announcement on Saturday at the Bauchi Government House, where he was joined by APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, as well as party stakeholders and government officials.
He said the decision followed extensive consultations aimed at repositioning political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“After extensive consultation, we have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied Peoples Movement (APM),” he said, adding that the move was intended to strengthen political coordination and present a “credible alternative” to the electorate.
The governor noted that the defection was necessary to ensure continued political stability and effective mobilisation of supporters.
“Our duty is to provide energy and direction and ensure that opportunities provided to us are not diminished,” he said.
Mohammed expressed appreciation to the PDP, under which he was elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, describing it as a key platform in his political journey.
He was later formally welcomed into the APM, where Dantalle presented him with the party’s membership card and insignia.
“I welcome you into the party and present you with your membership card,” Dantalle said during the ceremony.
Mohammed’s defection follows months of speculation about his political future amid internal tensions within the PDP. Until his exit, he served as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
His departure leaves the PDP with diminishing gubernatorial representation, following similar developments involving other key party figures.
Reports indicate that prior to the move, the governor had engaged in consultations with stakeholders across major political parties, including the APC and ADC, before ultimately settling on the APM.
