Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Credible sources indicate that the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is also on the verge of withdrawing from the PDP as internal disputes and legal challenges continue to destabilize the party.
Mohammed made his decision public on Saturday, explaining that it followed extensive consultations with political allies and stakeholders. He pointed to the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the PDP’s leadership crisis as a decisive factor in his exit. According to him, the judgment created uncertainty, leaving the party without a clear structure or direction both legally and administratively.
Until now, Mohammed and Makinde were the only PDP governors remaining after a wave of defections and deep internal divisions significantly weakened the party’s influence across the country. These ongoing challenges have reduced the PDP’s control over elected officials and diminished its standing as a major opposition force.
Both governors are aligned with a faction of the party led by Tanimu Turaki. This group organized the 2025 Ibadan convention, which was recently invalidated by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, a rival faction headed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asserted dominance over the party’s structure following the court’s decision.
Regarding Makinde’s next move, reliable information suggests that he has already begun taking steps toward leaving the PDP. Reports indicate that he has instructed party aspirants in Oyo State not to purchase nomination forms, signaling a likely transition.
A senior PDP figure in the South-West, who is close to the governor, revealed that Makinde’s departure could happen very soon, although his next political affiliation remains uncertain. The source stated that while the governor’s exit is imminent, no final decision has been announced regarding the party he intends to join.
Additionally, a prominent member of Makinde’s cabinet, who requested anonymity, confirmed that discussions are ongoing about the governor’s political future. The official noted that Makinde is carefully evaluating his options before making a final decision.
According to the cabinet member, the governor is determined to act in a way that protects the interests of the people of Oyo State as well as party aspirants affected by the situation. The source emphasized that any move will be timely and strategic, ensuring that stakeholders are not disadvantaged.
Overall, the unfolding developments highlight a deepening crisis within the PDP, as high-profile defections and factional struggles continue to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
