Bala Mohammed declares senatorial bid, confirms talks with Obi, Kwankwaso

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi State has confirmed plans to contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat.

The Bauchi governor also revealed ongoing talks with key opposition figures ahead of a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor said he would announce his next political move within a week after concluding consultations with other parties, following the crisis in the PDP triggered by the nullification of its Ibadan national convention by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A delegation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had earlier visited the governor to persuade him to join the party, which he reportedly described as a preferred option.

Mohammed also held talks with leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including President Bola Tinubu, but negotiations reportedly collapsed over disagreements on control of party structures.

Reacting to the Supreme Court judgment, the governor said his camp accepted the ruling in good faith but noted that it created uncertainty within the party.

“As democrats and committed PDP members who respect the rule of law, we accept the judgement as the will of Allah. It is neither a total defeat for us nor a complete victory for the other side. The efforts we made to defend the rights of our supporters and uphold democracy are clear. While our Ibadan convention was nullified, their leadership was also set aside,” he said.

He added that the PDP’s Board of Trustees would take over pending the emergence of an interim leadership, in line with the party’s constitution.

Mohammed, however, accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of contributing to the party’s internal crisis.

“We find ourselves in a difficult situation. Nyesom Wike and many of his associates are with the APC. His presence in the PDP was aimed at frustrating the party, and to some extent, that has happened. At the same time, we ensured he did not take full control,” he said.

He disclosed that consultations were ongoing with other political platforms to enable his supporters participate in upcoming elections.

“The focus now is to identify a stable platform for our candidates to participate in the coming elections,” he said.
On his personal ambition, Mohammed ruled out a presidential bid, citing zoning arrangements within the party.

“I am not contesting for the presidency. At the party level, we agreed to zone it to the South out of fairness.

“However, based on calls from my people, I will contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat to continue representing them and support our candidates,” he said.

The governor also confirmed ongoing discussions with opposition figures, including Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, amid efforts to build a broader political alliance.

“We are in talks with Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. There are calls for the opposition to unite under one platform, but that is not easy. Political realities differ across states and regions, as do the needs of the people,” he added.