The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has insisted that the recent wave of defections from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not weaken the main opposition party, expressing confidence that the PDP will return to power in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Sunday at the inauguration of the Media Sub-Committee of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) in Abuja, Governor Mohammed said the PDP remains resilient and focused, despite the defections of some governors and lawmakers.
“We are confident. Please, be emboldened. Don’t be disturbed by the defections, by the shenanigans, by all those doubting Thomases. Don’t be disturbed. You should be encouraged because staying back to fight is what makes a man or a woman,” Mohammed stated.
He described the defections as acts of cowardice, accusing the APC-led federal government of using coercive means to pressure PDP members into leaving the party.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
Governor Mohammed confirmed that more defections could still occur, including from lawmakers in his state. However, he reaffirmed that the PDP remains structurally intact and popular at the grassroots level.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP.”
Commenting on the reported defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Mohammed said the governor had not made his decision public and remained a respected colleague within the party.
“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he said.
He also dismissed rumours surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing him as a loyal party member who has withstood significant political pressure.
Speaking on the party’s preparation for the 2025 national convention scheduled for November 15–16, Mohammed confirmed that despite legal challenges, the PDP will proceed with its plans.
“By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us. No dark forces will succeed over us. The dark forces — if they succeed over PDP, they have succeeded over Nigeria,” he said.
On the 2027 presidential elections, he expressed optimism that the PDP will rally behind a united front and produce a strong candidate.
“As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah.”
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant an interim order halting the PDP’s planned leadership meetings and national convention.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, rejected an ex parte motion filed by PDP members from Imo, Abia, and the South-South zone, who are reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The plaintiffs sought to stop the PDP’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 18, and the convention in November.
“The motion ex parte for interim injunction is hereby refused,” the judge ruled, ordering that the defendants be served with the motion on notice for hearing on October 14.
Justice Omotosho also warned all parties against taking actions that could undermine the court process.
“Any step, decision, or act taken to make the outcome of a judicial process, such as the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction nugatory, shall be deemed to be a nullity,” he said.
Despite internal legal and political challenges, Governor Bala Mohammed reiterated that the PDP remains more organised and focused than most opposition parties, and that the upcoming convention will mark a turning point for the party.
“This is the beginning. This is the time to do it. We have never suffered as a country as we are suffering today under the APC,” he said.
He assured party members of his unwavering loyalty, stating:
“I assure you, I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP and my state has no element of division.”
The PDP is expected to continue with preparations for its national convention as the legal challenge proceeds to full hearing later this month.
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