Bauchi Gov Slams PDP Defectors: Leaving for ADC is a ‘Political Miscalculation, an Aberration’

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, has sharply criticized the recent defection of prominent members from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling it a significant political miscalculation. Speaking at the PDP’s Consultative Conference in Abuja, themed “Reclaiming Our Legacy, Renewing Our Collective Vision,” Governor Mohammed emphasized that individuals cannot simultaneously belong to two political parties.
Among those who have reportedly joined the ADC-led opposition ahead of the 2027 elections are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu. Governor Mohammed expressed his disappointment, asserting that these individuals have abandoned a well-established platform for one lacking a solid foundation. He confidently stated that the PDP would ultimately prove them wrong.
“If somebody wants to leave PDP to go to another place, how is this smart in thoughts and in thinking?” Governor Mohammed questioned. He highlighted the PDP’s extensive history, legacy, and widespread structure, noting the dedication of its governors. While acknowledging that some defections might be due to personal “permutations, calculations,” he reiterated his belief that such moves would be regretted.
The governor extended an olive branch to those who left, stating, “Even our elders that have gone, we don’t want to diminish them, we don’t want to denigrate or abuse them. We are telling them with humility: come back.” He underscored the PDP’s existing infrastructure, including governors, senators, House members, speakers, and local government chairmen, contrasting it with a party that “has no office. It’s a malady.”
He suggested that the defectors might be seeking tickets to actualize their aspirations, but cautioned, “But do you want to get a ticket and lose? So please, come back. You have no reason to go anywhere.” Governor Mohammed affirmed the effective governance provided by all PDP governors in their respective states.
He further stressed the importance of party discipline, stating, “We cannot take indiscipline to a level where it becomes contagious. If you are in PDP, you are in PDP. You cannot be in PDP and be in coalition with another party. We cannot do this.” He unequivocally called such a coalition “an aberration,” adding, “You cannot belong to two places. You cannot be an Aphrodite. You cannot be a man and a woman at the same time. Be who you will be.”
Despite his firm stance, Governor Mohammed reiterated the party’s respect for their former members, urging them not to “demarket” the PDP. He reminded them that many had achieved their political aspirations through the party, even after past defections that contributed to the party’s 2015 loss. “Most of you actualized your political aspirations through this party. Some of them left us and caused our loss in 2015, and yet we accommodated them. And they left and came back. Some of them became governors, and some of them took tickets, just sprayed. It is only in PDP that you get that,” he concluded, emphasizing that while the PDP respects them, they should reciprocate that respect.