JUST IN: Governor Bala Mohammed’s Planned Defection to APC Collapses As Party Rejects 60/40 Power-Sharing Formula 

The proposed defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fallen through after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a power-sharing arrangement.

Negotiations between the governor’s camp, led by his Turaki-aligned PDP Faction, and the APC leadership reportedly ended in a stalemate over a proposed 60–40 formula for control of party structures in Bauchi State. The arrangement, which would have allowed the governor and his loyalists to retain significant influence within the party, was rejected by the APC, effectively halting the talks.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in Bauchi, Sama’ila Burga, confirmed that discussions had been formally discontinued. He stated that the APC’s refusal to accept the proposed formula demonstrated a lack of readiness to accommodate the existing PDP structure and the state government.

According to Burga, the APC had initiated the talks through high-level engagements involving its national leadership. He disclosed that Abba Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, played a key role in the process, visiting Bauchi in a bid to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party.

Despite these efforts, the negotiations broke down when both parties failed to reach consensus on the sharing formula. Burga noted that similar arrangements had been adopted in other states where governors defected to the APC, expressing disappointment that the same approach was not accepted in Bauchi.

“This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party,” he said.

He added that the press briefing was convened at the instance of Governor Mohammed, who personally led the consultation process. Following extensive discussions with key stakeholders, the faction resolved to end negotiations with the APC.

“After 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,” Burga stated.

With the talks now officially terminated, the PDP faction in Bauchi has indicated that it is exploring alternative political options. Burga emphasized that the group remains open to aligning with other parties, as consultations continue from the ward to the state level.

“While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close. Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options other than the APC to determine the most suitable path forward,” he added.