ABUJA-JULY 24, 2025 Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, has condemned party leaders who have defected to a “party without office.”
While addressing attendees at the ongoing Consultative Conference of PDP Founding Fathers and Stakeholders in Abuja, Governor Mohammed criticized the practice of claiming membership in two parties simultaneously. He argued that it is unwise to forsake a strong platform like the PDP for a coalition lacking a solid framework.
Notably, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark recently left the PDP to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
In his remarks to the gathered elders, the Governor asserted: “The PDP holds a significant legacy, a history, and a well-established structure, with governors striving to maintain this. We are facing challenges and should not shy away from confronting them.
“Politics is local. While some may depart for various motives, I believe they will be proven wrong. Our former members deserve respect; we urge them humbly to return. This is what they have built. When there are governors, senators, and local government chairmen, why gravitate towards a party with no structure? It’s a misstep.
“Some may think they are pursuing their ambitions to secure tickets, but is it worth the risk of losing? We urge you to come back. There is no reason to leave.”
He further expressed concern over the state of discipline within the party, stating: “We cannot allow indiscipline to become an epidemic. If you are in the PDP, be committed. You cannot be in the PDP while also associating with another party. Coalition politics is an aberration.
“You cannot straddle two worlds. Choose who you wish to be. Still, we will give you the chance to ponder your decision, as you hold leadership roles.
“But should you leave, do not engage in disparaging the PDP. Undermining the party is unfair. Many of you achieved your political ambitions through this platform. Some who left contributed to our losses in 2015, yet we accepted them back. Many have become governors and secure tickets, a privilege unique to the PDP.”