The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, fueling fresh speculation over the governor’s potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The high-level meeting took place at the Government House in Bauchi and was attended by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf. None of the parties addressed journalists after the discussions, leaving the purpose of the visit open to interpretation.
However, sources within the Government House indicated that the meeting may be part of ongoing efforts by the APC leadership to persuade Mohammed to reconsider his reported plan to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and instead align with the ruling party.
The development comes barely 24 hours after Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, hosted a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Speaking after that meeting, Mohammed cited the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP as a major factor driving his decision to consider leaving the party.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” he said, noting that several committees had been set up at both national and state levels to explore possible options.
The governor revealed that consultations had extended to multiple political platforms, including the APC, but claimed his camp felt unwelcome in the ruling party.
“As of now, the ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” Mohammed stated.
He added that while the APC remains an option, the lack of overt engagement from its leadership has pushed his camp toward considering alternative parties.
“If they open up and invite us, we will go to the APC. But for now, the preference is to move to an opposition platform,” he said.
The political maneuvering underscores growing realignments ahead of future electoral contests, as key actors weigh their options amid shifting alliances and internal party tensions.