- Bauchi Governor Rejects 60–40 Formula Dispute
- PDP Faction Ends Negotiations, Considers New Alliances
- APC Stakeholders Fear Takeover By Incoming Structure
- Committee Formed As Crisis Deepens
- Realignment Battle Intensifies Ahead Of Elections
The planned defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has collapsed following a disagreement over power sharing and control of party structures in the state.
What initially appeared to be a strategic political realignment has instead deepened divisions within the APC, triggered fears of displacement among party loyalists, and opened a fresh chapter in Bauchi State’s evolving political landscape.
Dispute Over 60–40 Formula
At the centre of the failed negotiations was a proposed 60–40 power-sharing formula, which would have allowed Governor Mohammed and his supporters to control 60 per cent of the APC structure in Bauchi State, while existing party members retained 40 per cent.
However, the APC leadership reportedly rejected the arrangement, leading to a deadlock between the governor’s camp and the ruling party.
Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi State, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed that extensive consultations were held between the governor, APC national leadership, and key political stakeholders, including the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who visited Bauchi in a bid to persuade Mohammed to defect.
Despite the high-level intervention, the negotiations stalled after both sides failed to agree on the control of party structures from the ward to the state level.
“This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to the APC. They rejected this formula, and we have closed that discussion. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party,” Burga told journalists on Saturday.
PDP Ends Negotiations
Burga further revealed that after wide consultations with stakeholders and the governor, the PDP faction resolved to formally discontinue talks with the APC.
“After careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership. In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued,” he said.
He added that the governor and his political allies are now exploring alternative political platforms.
“While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close. Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options other than the APC,” Burga added.
Fear of Political Takeover
The failed defection has exposed deep divisions within the APC in Bauchi State, where longstanding party members reportedly expressed concern over the possible takeover of party structures by the governor and his supporters.
Sources within the party indicated that the issue triggered heated debates during a high-level caucus meeting in Abuja, where stakeholders clashed over the implications of admitting a sitting governor from the opposition.
While some party leaders viewed Mohammed’s defection as a political advantage capable of strengthening the APC ahead of future elections, others warned that it could sideline loyal party members and disrupt existing power arrangements.
Party stakeholders reportedly accused the national leadership of attempting to impose decisions without adequate consultation with state-level actors directly affected by the proposed defection.
Committee Formed as Crisis Deepens
To manage the growing tensions, the party leadership reportedly set up a high-powered committee comprising ministers, former governors, and senior lawmakers to mediate between competing interests and determine conditions for possible integration.
The committee is expected to engage stakeholders, define acceptable terms, and prevent internal fragmentation within the party.
However, with negotiations already discontinued, the committee now serves more as a buffer to manage fallout and prevent further divisions within the party structure.
Political Realignments Intensify
The development comes amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections, with several political actors across the country exploring new alliances.
Governor Mohammed had earlier hinted at possible defection from the PDP, fueling speculation after visits by top APC figures, including the party’s national leadership, to Bauchi Government House.
However, the collapse of the talks has now shifted attention to alternative political platforms that the governor and his supporters may consider.
Political observers say the Bauchi situation represents a broader test of party cohesion, ambition, and expansion strategies within Nigeria’s political environment.
Handled poorly, analysts warn, the crisis could weaken party structures and alienate loyal members. Managed carefully, it could still reshape political dynamics in Bauchi State ahead of the next electoral cycle.
For now, what began as a routine defection has evolved into a full-blown struggle over power, influence, and the future of party politics in Bauchi State.
