The Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi, has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party can retain power in Bauchi State in 2027.
Ningi insisted that the party’s grassroots structure remains formidable despite recent political developments involving Governor Bala Mohammed.
Ningi made the assertion during an interview on Politics Today aired on Channels Television on Thursday.
“PDP is the party to beat. We’ve been ruling over that state for more than 20 years; we are rooted in every ward, in every village,” he said.
The senator’s remarks come amid fresh uncertainty over the governor’s political direction following his recent declaration that he is now a “freelance politician” with no firm allegiance to any party.
Mohammed made the statement after hosting Peter Obi and other stakeholders, where he hinted at ongoing cross-party consultations and possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now… We are looking up to the judiciary,” the governor had said, adding that evolving alliances could reshape the political landscape.
Despite this, Ningi dismissed concerns that Mohammed’s posture could weaken the PDP’s chances in Bauchi.
“With Bala or without Bala, the PDP can still win Bauchi State, that I can assure you; PDP can still win,” he stated.
On succession, the lawmaker stressed party discipline, noting that members would rally behind whoever emerges as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
“It is our PDP. Once he picks a successor as a PDP, we don’t do anti-party… Whoever emerges as a gubernatorial candidate, we follow him,” he said.
Ningi also downplayed the prospects of opposition figures, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, describing them as competitors rather than threats.
“I don’t see any threat as far as other parties are concerned in Bauchi… I see them as just political rivals,” he added.
He further cautioned against desperation ahead of the polls, saying the focus should be on party survival beyond the 2027 electoral cycle.
“I don’t see 2027 as a matter of life and death… It doesn’t matter if I don’t win the election in 2027, but as long as the party survives the turbulence of 2027, that’s why we’re here,” he said.
Mohammed’s recent engagements with political actors across party lines, including figures from the African Democratic Congress, have intensified speculation about shifting alliances, setting the stage for a potentially fluid contest in Bauchi ahead of the next general elections.
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