2027: Gov. Bala dumps PDP for APM

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The chairman of the People’s Democratic Party and the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, on Saturday defected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP to Allied People’s Party (APM).

Bala, however described APM as a credible party in Nigeria, and vowed that the party will win election in the forthcoming general election.

The governor announced his defection to the new party, APM, during the stakeholders meeting, held at the old banquet hall of the state government house.

He said that the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment has fundamentally altered the landscape and their expectations. 

Bala added that the court in a split decision nullified the parallel conventions conducted by the contending factions and declared all actions emanating from the conventions null and void. 

“This has effectively left both sides without legal standing and with the bottom-struck piece temporarily assuming responsibility for the advancement of the party, as enunciated in the constitution of the PDP.

“We have witnessed actions that do not align with the spirit and letter of the judgment, which giving uncertainty. After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results”

The governor acknowledge and appreciate the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the important role it has played in their collective political journey. Further said that it has been a platform through which they have served, grown and contributed meaningfully to the development of Bauchi state and Nigeria at large.

“We remain grateful for this history and the opportunities provided to us, as responsible leaders, we cannot allow our people to be left out without a credible and effective political platform. Our duty is to provide clarity and direction”

He said that they will make sure that the opportunities that the new party provided to them will not be taken for granted. 

“We have taken a firm and strategic decision to join the Allied People’s Movement (APM) at the level of state. This decision is guided by one overriding objective to secure victory in both state and for general deserving of our people with purpose and integrity”

He further said that the “The APM offered us a viable platform to organize effectively, mobilize our supporters, and present a coherent and credible alternative to the people. 

“We have carried out due diligence and it is not infected by any legal virus that will serve as an impediment unless, if its manufactured after we have joined. But so far, we are also the most credible party.

“We love you because we are PDP at heart, but we had to leave you in order to go and make sure we carry on with the struggle.We cannot be diminished, we cannot become cards, as somebody has said. 

“We’ll continue to rise the torch of democracy so that we can provide good governance for this country to ensure a seamless and lawful transition we have put in place. 

The governor said that they will continue to consult widely, act responsibly and ensure that every step they take reflects goodwill and inspires confidence among their people. 

He added that “In this critical times, unity, patience, and strategic action are essential”

Governor Bala Mohammed expressed their appreciation to the leadership of the Allied People’s movement for providing a credible platform that supports democratic participation. Assured that their people are fully prepared for the journey ahead.

“We are committed to peace and order and will not create disruption, we’ll not allow ourselves to be used by those who seek to destabilize the system. 

“We have learned from the past mistakes, and we are determined to ensure that there is no breakdown in party structure at both the national and state levels.

“We are joining this platform with humility, trust, and a strong sense of purpose. We ask for your guidance and inclusion as we move forward together.

With unity, clarity, and determination, we shall succeed”

Speaking during the defection, the national chairman of the APM, Yusuf Ahmed Dantalle expressed their appreciation to the state governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir and his members for joining their party.

Dantalle said that Bauchi State is one of the state that is peculiar in the north and Nigeria at large when it comes to decision-making. 

He said that it’s also one state that all political parties contest fairly to win elections, and that speaks about their democratic nature and inclusivity and consolidation for all segments of the society.