ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed optimism that despite the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP remains strong and will return to power in 2027.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, acknowledged his concern over defections but maintained that the party was working diligently to rebuild unity and public trust.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned,”
READ ALSO: Bala Mohammed Dismisses Claims Of Discord Within PDP
“But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues. However, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.”
Mohammed accused the APC-led federal government of using intimidation and state power to cripple opposition forces.
“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.
He, however, insisted that the defections would not shake the PDP’s foundation, arguing that the majority of Nigerians still identify with the party at the grassroots level.
“Even those who left are not finding it easier because most people at the grassroots are PDP and are not happy with the defections.
“Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. But I assure you, I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division”, he said.
The Bauchi governor confirmed that some lawmakers from his state might still defect, but insisted the PDP remained dominant.
“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,” he declared.
Mohammed highlighted that most of Nigeria’s major achievements were recorded under past PDP administrations, emphasizing that the party remains the most credible platform for national renewal.
READ ALSO: Nigerians Suffering Under Tinubu’s Policies – Bala Mohammed
“Most measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.
On concerns over internal disputes and court cases threatening the forthcoming national convention, Mohammed said efforts were ongoing to resolve all issues.
“I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP,” he said.
He maintained that the PDP remained more cohesive than most opposition parties.
“Comparatively, most other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. We are the only ones intact with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary,” he said.
“This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver.”