Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remained his preferred political destination, signalling a possible defection from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governor made this known while addressing journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday shortly after a closed-door meeting with an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal at Ramat House.
He said that after wide consultations, the ADC has emerged as the most acceptable platform for him and his political associates.
“We left all our options open, including the All Progressives Congress, but certainly we discovered that we cannot be where we are not wanted. We have to find a place within the opposition,” Mohammed said.
He described the ADC as “enduring and more acceptable” to the stakeholders he has been engaging, adding that ongoing consultations across political divides informed the delay in making a final decision.
According to him, “Because I am managing two constituencies—Bauchi and the federation—we must do things properly. We have to carry along party interests at both national and sub-national levels, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That is why discussions have taken time.”
The governor disclosed that a formal announcement regarding his defection would be made soon, as talks were being concluded to “perfect conditions” for the move. He also revealed that previous attempts to join the APC were unsuccessful despite meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership.
Mohammed assured that engagements with critical stakeholders were ongoing to avoid missteps, noting that collaboration remained key to building a formidable opposition platform.
“The people in ADC are our brothers. Some joined earlier, and we are joining now,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, warned that Nigeria’s future could be jeopardised if the APC-led government secures another term in 2027 elections.
Lawal said efforts were underway to unite opposition forces under the guidance of former Senate President David Mark.
He stressed that the 2027 elections would be decisive, urging political actors with “good intentions” to come together to avert what he described as an impending national crisis.