By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gearing up to give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a tough battle in the next general elections.
Speaking during the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP held in Abuja, Governor Mohammed said the party will mobilize all its structures to offer Nigerians a credible platform for national renewal.
He emphasized the importance of unity within the PDP, calling on members to avoid attacking those who have left the party, as there remains room for reconciliation. “We are ready to work together so that no personal ambition—whether for governorship or presidency—will divide us. Our goal is the country, not ourselves,” he said.
Mohammed praised the efforts of the party’s founding members and reiterated the PDP’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy ahead of its elective national convention.
In his address, the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, dismissed the recently launched opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as inconsequential. He stated that many of those involved had either returned to the PDP or never formally left. “This so-called coalition is nothing to worry about. Some people have learnt the hard way that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush,” he said.
NEC also approved preparations for the party’s elective national convention and directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law. It also set up a zoning committee and other structures for a smooth convention.
Furthermore, the NEC mandated legal steps to reclaim legislative seats from members who defected to other parties. It expressed concern over PDP members fraternizing with rival parties, warning them to remain loyal or risk sanctions.
Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi urged members to seize the convention as an opportunity to resolve internal grievances and rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
