APC Coalition Opposes Bala Mohammed’s Alleged Defection, Cites Risks to Party Unity

APC Coalition Opposes Bala Mohammed’s Alleged Defection, Cites Risks to Party Unity

By Muhammad  Ahmad, Bauchi

A coalition operating under the banner of the APC Solidarity Group and Allied Associations has rejected reports of a planned defection by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such a move could destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by the Director of Programmes and External Affairs, IB. Muhammad, and the group’s Secretary, Abubakar Abdullahi, and made available to journalists on Friday in Bauchi, the coalition expressed strong reservations over the governor’s possible entry into the ruling party.

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC, noting that the party had recently regained internal cohesion and renewed confidence among members, which it said was crucial for its electoral prospects in 2027, including continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the coalition, admitting Governor Mohammed into the party at this stage could undermine the fragile unity already achieved. It accused the governor of consistently criticising the APC-led Federal Government and raising allegations against the ruling party during his time in the opposition.

The statement also pointed to what it described as waning public support for the governor’s administration in Bauchi State, arguing that his political standing may not add value to the APC.

It further highlighted existing political tensions between Mohammed and key APC stakeholders, including former governor Isa Yuguda, ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Senator Shehu Buba Umar. The coalition warned that bringing the governor into the party could deepen divisions and trigger internal conflicts.

Beyond personality clashes, the group raised concerns about ideological differences and questioned the governor’s consistency in political alignment, suggesting that his defection could weaken party discipline and dampen the morale of long-standing members.

The coalition cautioned that accepting the governor could pose strategic challenges for the APC in Bauchi State, particularly as preparations intensify for the next election cycle.

Reiterating its position, the group declared that the governor, popularly known as “Kaura,” should not be admitted into the party, urging APC leaders to prioritise unity and stability.

It maintained that its stance was guided by a commitment to protect the integrity, cohesion, and electoral strength of the APC in the state.