Bauchi governor ends efforts at joining APC

Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Samaila Burga, announced the development during a press briefing on Saturday.

An official has announced that the negotiations between Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Tanimu Turaki-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Congress (PDP) and the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) have collapsed.

He cited the APC’s refusal to accept a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula and other critical conditions as the primary reason for the stalemate.

According to Mr Burga, the APC leadership showed no readiness to grant the defecting group significant control over the party structure in Bauchi State.

“This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to the APC. They rejected this formula, and we have closed that discussion. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from the ward level to the state level not to have control of the party,” Mr Burga stated, as reported by Daily Trust.

When questioned about the governor’s personal stance, Mr Burga clarified that the decision was unified.

“We called for this press conference at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor; he is the one leading the discussions. It became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership. In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued.”

After the failed talks with the APC, the Bauchi PDP faction remains intent on seeking a new political home. Mr Burga stated that the party was exploring alliances with other interested political parties before reaching a final decision.

“While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close.

“Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State—in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders—is actively considering all available political options and parties other than the APC. Our goal is to determine the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State.”

He noted that while the APC is now off the table, the group remains mobile.

“All doors to the PDP family in Bauchi State are open for discussion, except for the APC. We are not specific on where we want to go, but definitely, we are going somewhere where our people would have comfort and the platform to contest elections”, Mr Burga said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and ruling APC had wooed Governor Muhammed into their parties in separate visits to the state.

Mr Mohammed had said that internal divisions within the PDP were the reason he was leaving the PDP.

He added that he had met with key stakeholders, including leaders of the APC and President Bola Tinubu, in efforts to resolve the impasse, but the situation remained unresolved.