Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has dismissed rumours of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his commitment to the party despite its internal crisis.

The governor, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, described the crisis within the party as “not insurmountable,” stressing that he remained firmly in the PDP.

Speaking with journalists during the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Governor Bala said political leadership must be guided by vision, integrity and strategic thinking rather than desperation for power.

“There are rumours that I had joined the APC. I have not joined anywhere.

We are where we are. Certainly, we have challenges within our party, but they are not insurmountable. Politics is dynamic, but we must be strategic,” he said.

Speaking on the 2027 approach, Mohammed called on political actors in the state to avoid bitterness and embrace peaceful coexistence and healthy competition.

He emphasised that the people of Bauchi are politically conscious and cannot be misled, urging politicians to focus on ideas and service rather than divisive politics.

“We must maintain the culture of mature and issue-based engagement for which Bauchi is known. Political competition should not turn into hostility. Power ultimately comes from Allah, and the people are wise enough to choose their leaders,” he said

Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that the political space in Bauchi remains open to all, including opposition figures, without intimidation.

He also assured young people of opportunities to participate in politics, pledging continued support for emerging leaders.

On security, the governor expressed gratitude to Allah for the relative peace in the state, despite recent challenges in parts of Alkaleri local government area. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Security is a shared responsibility. We must cooperate, share information, and expose criminal elements. Those who aid wrongdoing (Informants) are often more dangerous than the criminals themselves,” he said.