By Desire Emmanuel
The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has washed its hands off the discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) over planned defection of the state governor, Bala Mohammed.
Bala Mohammed and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State are the only governors remaining on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In fact, he is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.
However, on Saturday, April 18, it was gathered that the PDP has decided to part ways with the APC regarding the planned defection of the governor.
Chairman of the party in the state, Sama’ila Adamu-Burga, announced the development at a news conference on Saturday, April 18, in Bauchi metropolis, the state capital.
It will be recalled that the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State recently visited Bauchi State with a mission to woo Mohammed into the ruling party.
However, the state chairman of the party said on Saturday that the PDP terminated the discussions after the APC rejected the conditions presented to it to pave the way for the defection of Mohammed and other PDP elected officials in the state.
Adamu-Burga listed some of the conditions to include a 60/40 sharing formula for the APC’s leadership, and a request for the reimbursement of funds spent on Federal Government’s projects executed by the PDP administration in the state.
“We wish to clarify that the initiative for these discussions came from the APC. His Excellency graciously responded out of respect for the eminent personalities involved and in keeping with his commitment to dialogue and inclusiveness,” he said.
According to him, the governor, the PDP and the people of Bauchi State participated in the engagements in good faith.
“However, after extensive consultations with PDP stakeholders and careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership.
“In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued.
“Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options and political parties other than the APC.
“This is with a view to determining the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State,” he said.
While dismissing an alleged faction, Adamu-Burga said the PDP remained united and committed to strengthening internal democracy for sustainable development of the state.
“We remain committed to responsible leadership, inclusive governance, and the continued progress of our dear state,” he assured.
