Bala Mohammed Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms PDP Membership

Bauchi – Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has strongly dismissed widespread speculation that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

NaijaChoice News reports that the governor made the position clear shortly after swearing in 17 newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Government House on Wednesday.

When journalists confronted him on the rumours, Mohammed declined an on-the-spot interview but briefly reacted.

“I have not moved; they said that I have defected,” he stated, adding that the buzz has turned him into “an international figure in politics” and even a “global personality all of a sudden.”

He described the reports as amusing and promised to speak further on Channels Television at 7pm that day. Sources later confirmed the planned media chat was postponed indefinitely.

The speculation had gained traction in recent weeks, with claims suggesting the move could happen this week amid ongoing PDP internal challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the Bauchi APC chairman, Muhammad A. Hassan Tilde, told reporters his party has no official information or deal with the governor, insisting any defection decision remains personal and must follow party processes from the ward level.

Mohammed used the occasion to charge the new permanent secretaries on good governance.

He warned that his administration will not tolerate corruption or any action that could tarnish the government’s image.

The governor urged the appointees to stay disciplined, avoid insubordination and partisan politics, and focus on mentoring younger civil servants as part of ongoing reforms.

He also assured state retirees of his commitment to clearing outstanding gratuities estimated at about N20 billion, revealing that payment of 13-year arrears began in January 2026.

Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Talatu Musa Umar, administered the oath of office to the new permanent secretaries.

The development comes as political watchers monitor realignments across the country, but Mohammed has left no doubt about his current stand with the PDP.