Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed optimism that the opposition party will remain strong and reclaim power in 2027, despite the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Mohammed, who also heads the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, said the party was quietly working to stabilise its structure and rebuild public confidence.
He acknowledged concerns over the recent defections of some governors and lawmakers to the APC but emphasised that the party was taking steps to remain solid.
“I am more than concerned about our governors leaving for the APC. But leadership is a burden. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes to keep the party united,” he said.
Mohammed accused the APC-led federal government of employing coercive methods to weaken the opposition and move Nigeria toward a one-party system.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
The governor, however, insisted that defections would not derail the PDP’s revival, stressing that the party continued to enjoy strong grassroots backing.
“Even those who left are not finding it easy because most of the people at the grassroots are PDP and are not happy with the defections. I assure you I am not going anywhere. My state has no element of division,” he said.
Mohammed admitted that more defections could still occur, including among Bauchi lawmakers, but maintained that the PDP structure in the state remained firm.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he said.
He said the PDP remained the only credible platform capable of rebuilding Nigeria, adding that most of the country’s notable federal achievements were recorded under PDP governments.
“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.
On preparations for the upcoming PDP convention, Mohammed explained that the leadership was addressing internal disputes and lawsuits aimed at frustrating the party’s plans.
“Many litigations are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP. Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better organised, with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary,” he said.
Reacting to reports about possible defections by some PDP governors, Mohammed clarified that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah had not made any decision to quit the party.
“Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he said.
He also dismissed rumours that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara had left the PDP, describing him as a loyal member who had faced major challenges.
“He has not left the party. He is a humble young man who has gone through a lot and is managing the situation well,” he said.
Speaking on speculations linking former President Goodluck Jonathan to a possible 2027 presidential ambition, Mohammed said the PDP would gladly welcome any influential figure willing to associate with the party.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Mohammed expressed confidence that visionary leaders would rise within the party in 2027 to challenge what he called the APC’s “deceptive” politics.
“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he said.
