Bauchi Governor brands defections as cowardice, insists PDP will weather internal storms as court refuses to halt convention
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed strong confidence that the wave of defections rocking the party will not derail its mission to reclaim power in 2027. Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the Media Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Mohammed described the recent exodus of some members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as an act of cowardice, maintaining that the PDP remains Nigeria’s most viable political alternative.
The Bauchi governor, who also chairs the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, voiced concern over the rumoured defection of Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State to the APC. Nonetheless, he maintained that the PDP was built to withstand political turbulence and that its grassroots strength remained unshaken.
“The APC-led federal government is using every tool of coercion to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria toward a one-party system,” Mohammed alleged. “But let me assure Nigerians that no amount of intimidation or manipulation will sink the PDP. Even those who have left are struggling, because the people at the grassroots are still with us.”
The governor vowed not to abandon the party, declaring, “I am not going anywhere. I remain in the PDP, and in my state, there is no division whatsoever. We are solid.”
While acknowledging reports that some lawmakers from his state might defect to the APC, Mohammed insisted that the PDP structure in Bauchi remained intact. “Yes, one of my senators may be leaving, but that does not change the fact that Bauchi is a PDP state. Nigerians want change, and they believe that only the PDP can bring it,” he said.
He accused the APC of buying over politicians rather than earning genuine support, calling such defections “a political transaction, not conviction.” Mohammed emphasized that the PDP’s resilience would be tested — and proven — at its forthcoming national convention in November, which he described as a crucial moment in the party’s journey back to power.
“By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us. No dark forces will succeed over us. If they destroy the PDP, they destroy Nigeria. This is not just about a party, it’s about saving democracy itself,” he declared passionately.
Mohammed urged members not to be disheartened by the defections, describing them as temporary distractions. “Staying to fight for what you believe in is the true test of courage. It’s an act of cowardice to run away because of one or two people,” he said. “We must stay united and focused. The PDP is the only vehicle through which Nigerians can reclaim hope.”
The governor also reacted to reports linking Enugu State’s Governor Peter Mbah to the APC, noting that Mbah had not officially informed the PDP of any decision to leave. “Governor Mbah has not told us he is leaving. When he does, we’ll cross that bridge. For now, he remains one of us,” Mohammed clarified.
He further dismissed speculation about the loyalty of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as a committed member who has endured enormous political pressure without abandoning the party.
Responding to questions about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible involvement in the 2027 elections, Mohammed said the PDP remains open to prominent figures returning to the fold. “People still believe in this party. The big names being associated with us make us proud. As governors, we have agreed to put aside personal interests. We will present the kind of leadership that Nigerians can trust to rescue this country,” he said confidently.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused to grant an interim injunction sought by some PDP members to stop the party’s planned meetings and national convention. The plaintiffs, Austine Nwachukwu, Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah George, who are reportedly allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had filed a suit seeking to restrain the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding any meetings or conventions pending the determination of their main case.
The trio asked the court to halt the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 18 and its National Convention slated for November 15–16, arguing that due process had not been followed. However, in his ruling, Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte request.
“The motion ex parte for interim injunction is hereby refused,” the judge ruled, ordering the plaintiffs to serve their motion on notice to all defendants and cautioning both parties against actions that might render the court’s eventual ruling meaningless. “All parties must refrain from any step or decision that will make the outcome of this process nugatory,” he added.
The case has been adjourned to October 14 for hearing of the substantive motion.
With the legal hurdles temporarily cleared, the PDP appears determined to push forward with its convention plans. Mohammed expressed optimism that the gathering will rejuvenate the party’s spirit and produce visionary leaders capable of mounting a formidable challenge against the APC in 2027.
“We are confident that the PDP will rise again. Nigerians are tired of the hardship and deception of the APC government. What we offer is a return to responsible governance, leadership with empathy and vision,” the Bauchi governor affirmed.
As the opposition party braces for its national convention amid internal wrangling and political realignments, Mohammed’s rallying message was unmistakable: “The PDP will not die. It will survive, reorganize, and return to Aso Rock stronger than ever.”
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