Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, may be preparing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reports by Arise News, the governor might officially announce his defection as early as Tuesday following a series of high-level meetings with influential figures within the ruling party.
Quiet Political Meetings Behind the Scenes
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed has been engaging in strategic talks with key APC leaders, including Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
These meetings are believed to be focused on ironing out the political terms that would shape Mohammed’s potential entry into the ruling party. In Nigeria’s political environment, such negotiations are quite common, especially when powerful politicians are considering a move ahead of future elections.
Rumours of a Power-Sharing Arrangement
One of the major talking points emerging from the discussions is an alleged 60–40 power-sharing formula within the APC structure in Bauchi State.
Insiders claim that this arrangement could determine how political positions and influence would be divided between Bala Mohammed’s loyalists and the existing APC leadership in the state.
There are also speculations that part of the agreement could include offering the governor the APC’s senatorial ticket once his tenure as governor comes to an end.
Succession Plan Creating Tension
However, one issue reportedly slowing down the negotiations is the question of who will control the succession plan for Bauchi’s next governor after Bala Mohammed leaves office.
Sources say the governor is interested in having the power to support or nominate a preferred successor. But some APC stakeholders are reportedly uncomfortable with handing over such influence to a new entrant.
Bauchi’s political space is already packed with several strong contenders eyeing the governorship seat, and many party leaders are said to prefer a more competitive and open process rather than allowing one faction to dominate the structure.
Still Waiting for Official Confirmation
Despite the growing rumours and political calculations, Bala Mohammed has not publicly confirmed any plan to leave the PDP at the time of writing.
As is often the case in Nigerian politics, negotiations can change direction quickly depending on agreements reached behind closed doors.