The Bauchi State Government has dismissed claims suggesting that Governor Bala Mohammed is considering defecting to the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.
The clarification followed a statement attributed to the PRP Publicity Secretary in the state, Hon Wada Abdullahi, alleging that the governor was not welcome to join the party. The government described the remark as “false” and “a product of imagination.”
According to Abdullahi, the party’s attention was drawn to circulating reports suggesting that Governor Mohammed might seek refuge in the PRP following the “alleged disintegration” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nationwide.
However, the PRP declared that even if the rumours were true, the governor would not be welcomed.
Abdullahi stated that Governor Mohammed’s leadership record in Bauchi State falls short of the standards the party upholds.
But responding to PRP in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, said Governor Mohammed has never contemplated leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that no move—direct or indirect—had been made toward joining the PRP.
According to Gidado, Governor Mohammed remains a key figure in efforts to stabilise the PDP and strengthen internal democracy within the party.
He noted that the governor’s political strength has been demonstrated in his electoral victories over the PRP in previous contests.
The government maintained that Bauchi has continued to record progress under Mohammed’s administration, citing gains in empowerment, infrastructure, rural development, urban renewal and tourism.
It also criticised the PRP’s stance, saying the party had failed to appreciate ongoing reforms, including the restructuring of traditional institutions and transfer of certain powers aimed at improving governance.
Gidado urged residents to remain watchful and not be swayed by “habitual criticism” from political actors seeking relevance.
He added that although the governor, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to freely associate and determine his political future, any such decision would not be influenced by “falsehood or malicious propaganda.”
