Fresh indications have emerged that the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, may soon leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reports, discussions surrounding the possible defection were still ongoing as of Saturday night, with sources claiming that the governor had already met with Bola Tinubu and leaders of the APC to signal his interest in switching parties.
Insiders familiar with the negotiations said Mohammed is being considered for an APC senatorial ticket. He is also expected to receive benefits similar to those granted to other governors who previously defected to the ruling party.
However, unlike earlier defectors who were reportedly allowed significant influence within their new political camps, sources say the president has ruled out handing Mohammed full control of the APC structure in Bauchi State.
One source involved in the discussions reportedly said the governor had been informed that he could pursue his senatorial ambition under the APC platform but would not be allowed to determine who succeeds him as governor.
“There are limits to the concessions being offered,” the source said, noting that the governor would not be permitted to dominate the party structure in the state.
The report also linked the ongoing talks to the legal challenges facing Bauchi’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is reportedly facing terrorism and money-laundering charges involving about N4.6 billion. According to sources, the commissioner allegedly threatened to implicate the governor if he was not released from custody.
Another issue said to have surfaced during the negotiations involves an earlier dispute between the governor’s son, Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Tinubu, son of the president.
The disagreement occurred in 2025 when Shamsudeen criticised Seyi Tinubu for distributing food items in Bauchi during the Ramadan period, urging him instead to focus on long-term empowerment initiatives. As part of the reconciliation process, sources claim the governor has apologised to the president’s son.
Despite these developments, Mohammed is reportedly uneasy about some conditions attached to the proposed defection—particularly the issue of succession in Bauchi State. He is said to be pushing for a compromise that would allow him some influence over who becomes the next governor.
To advance this position, the governor reportedly reached out to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, requesting support for a possible 60/40 power-sharing arrangement within the party structure in Bauchi.
Sources also disclosed that Mohammed has already begun consultations within the state, including a meeting with political stakeholders ahead of a potential announcement.
If the defection eventually takes place, the APC’s control of state governments would increase further, leaving the PDP with only Seyi Makinde in power. Meanwhile, other opposition parties still hold governorship positions in states such as Abia State, Anambra State and Osun State.