A group of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has opposed the planned defection of the state governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The group, led by IB Muhammad, Director of Programmes and External Affairs, and Abubakar Abdullahi, Secretary, gave ten reasons why the governor must not be allowed to join the APC.

It stated that, “As the 2027 general elections approach, it has become necessary to carefully safeguard the strength, credibility, and internal cohesion of the APC in Bauchi State. In this regard, we wish to humbly present the following concerns against the possible admission of Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir into our party.”

It outlined that Bala Mohammed has persistently engaged in public criticism and made public statements critical of the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as repeatedly accusing the APC-led Federal Government of causing hardship and insecurity in the country, which undermines the party’s image.

It also stated that there is a growing perception that his administration has lost the goodwill and confidence of many citizens in Bauchi State, while there are notable political disagreements and rivalries between him and key APC stakeholders in the state, including Mal. Isa Yuguda, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Senator Shehu Buba Umar, among others.

The group further stated that many party members hold reservations regarding his political consistency and alignment with APC values, raising concerns about long-term loyalty, while his admission could potentially create divisions and disrupt the existing unity within the party structure in Bauchi State.

It added that there is a perception that he has become disconnected from the grassroots, which may negatively affect the party’s electoral strength if he is admitted, just as his past political positions and affiliations may not align with the progressive ideals and policies of the APC.

It also stated that long-standing members who have remained loyal to the party through challenging times may feel sidelined or discouraged, while granting him entry into the APC at this critical time could create uncertainties that may weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

The group stressed that the party is bigger than any entity and that if “we must deliver on the promise for a President Tinubu landslide and our other candidates in the next elections, the change has begun now. It starts with all of us, especially the leadership of the party, elected and appointed members, other stakeholders and the rest of us at all levels.”

“In this regard, it is to be recalled that Governor Bala Muhammad has been vocal in his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu APC-led Federal Government, often describing his administration as “clueless” and lacking the necessary ideas to tackle the myriad challenges facing our nation,” it stated.

According to the group, “On one occasion, he was so daring to the point that he said “we are not afraid of anybody”, all trying to prove that there is no stopping or limit to his criticism spree against the Federal Government. Of course, we acknowledge as a fact that criticism, if constructive and altruistically driven, is a vital part of any democratic process.”

It added, “But in this case, the disturbing thing about the governor’s constant barrage of negative remarks is that, upon an objective assessment, the truth is that most, if not all, of it is not altruistically driven but made for purposes other than serving the good of the common man.”

According to the group, the time to prove that, numerically, politically and spread-wise, Bauchi State is an APC state is now, and only a good showing in forthcoming elections will settle any doubt on this. It added that, Mr Chairman, they challenge themselves to make a vow in Allah’s name that nothing will shake their resolve to ensure the party emerges victorious. May God Almighty help them.

It then declared that, “To us, Kaura is not welcome in APC. Having said this, we hereby strongly and unequivocally join thousands of our party members in expressing concerns regarding the recent rumours surrounding the alleged defection bid of Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to our dear All Progressives Congress (APC).”

“As foundation and frontline members of the party, we believe it is crucial to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” it concluded. (Nigerian Tribune)