The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has said that he would be leaving the “battered” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he could play a “viable” opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Mohammed stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House, Bauchi.

He said he had made several efforts alongside the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to reconcile factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but those efforts were allegedly frustrated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The governor said the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, had urged engagement aimed at reconnecting him with what he described as the “umbilical cord of the opposition.”

He noted that despite his position as a leader within the PDP, he still observed lingering bitterness within the party.

“Of course, I have pursued all avenues for reconciliation, but it has not worked, and our people are putting me under extreme pressure. We have set up two committees, one at the national level in Abuja and another here to examine possible options. We have left all options open, including the ADC,” he said.

Mohammed added that he and his supporters had concluded they could not remain in a place where they were not welcome.

“We have to find a place within the opposition. That is where our faith and political destiny will take us. The ADC happens to be a vibrant and more acceptable platform,” he said.

He also noted that his position as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum had made discussions more delicate, adding that they were open to joining other political platforms under certain conditions.

According to him, the Turaki-led faction of the PDP remains open to consultations but is considering alternative political directions.

He further stated that discussions were ongoing in line with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and timelines, adding that an official position on a possible move to the ADC would be announced on Thursday.

“We are moving like a train, from the ward level to the top,” he said.

He hinted that, if concluded, the Turaki-led PDP faction would join the ADC as part of a broader opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking also, Babachir Lawal said the ADC was preparing for what he described as a decisive political contest in 2027, stressing the need for opposition unity.

He warned that failure to unite would have grave consequences for the country, alleging worsening insecurity and economic hardship if the current administration continued beyond 2027.

According to him, the delegation visited Bauchi to engage the governor because of his influence and leadership capacity, describing him as a “field commander” whose entry into the ADC would strengthen the party.

He added that discussions had been cordial and productive, expressing optimism that further engagements would lead to wider mobilisation and political alignment ahead of the next general elections. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)