The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has clarified that he will not be defecting from the party.
Speaking to journalists following the inaugural meeting of the Publicity and Communications Sub-Committee for the upcoming PDP convention in Abuja, Mohammed expressed his commitment to the party.
“I assure you, I am not going anywhere. I am firmly within the PDP, and there is no factionalism in my state,” he stated.
While acknowledging his concern regarding some members of his forum defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he noted that he cannot control their decisions as they hold equal status within the forum.
“As a leader among equals, I cannot dictate the choices or actions of my colleagues; however, substantial work is being conducted behind the scenes. This defection may have posed a more significant threat initially, but we have been engaging in discussions,” he remarked.
Mohammed revealed that some governors who have defected did so under duress. “Often, these decisions stem from strategic calculations and pressures. I will not disparage my colleagues, but I assure you that I have no intentions of leaving; I am firmly committed to the PDP,” he affirmed.
He also urged those departing from the PDP to refrain from undermining the party in their exit.
Addressing the ongoing litigations ahead of the national convention, Mohammed stated that the party’s leadership is diligently working to resolve these issues. He noted that many of these legal challenges were designed to weaken the party’s position.
“At the state level, I have witnessed individuals attempting to prevent us from holding a convention through legal action. This is detrimental and creates an atmosphere of insecurity among some in the National Assembly. We are tackling these matters head-on,” he explained.
In response to speculation regarding Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State potentially leaving the party, Mohammed confirmed that the governor had not communicated any intentions to the party. “I have personally discussed this matter with him, and he has assured me of his commitment. He is a fellow governor, and I respect him and his decisions,” he added.
Furthermore, he affirmed that the Deputy Chairman of the governors’ forum, Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers, remains a loyal member of the PDP. “He is a modest individual who has faced numerous challenges and has managed them well. He is still with the PDP, and to me, he continues to be my deputy,” he remarked.
Regarding the speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 elections under the party’s banner, Mohammed expressed gratitude that prominent figures continue to associate with the PDP.
In his earlier remarks at the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee, Mohammed advised party members not to be disheartened by the issue of defections. He firmly stated that nothing would prevent the PDP’s national convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan, declaring, “This convention is assured to proceed.”
“By the grace of God, no force will deter us; no dark powers will prevail against us,” he concluded. (NAN)
