The Bauchi State Government has dismissed claims suggesting that Governor Bala Mohammed is considering defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
The state government described the rumors and subsequent rejection by the PRP as “false” and “a product of imagination.”
The clarification came in response to a statement by the PRP Publicity Secretary in the state, Hon. Wada Abdullahi, who had publicly declared that Governor Mohammed would not be welcomed into the PRP even if the rumors of his defection due to an “alleged disintegration” of the PDP were true
Abdullahi had said the party had drawn a “clear line” and would not accept Governor Muhammad under any circumstances, citing what it called “a record of poor performance and disregard for democratic values.”
“His tenure as governor has been characterised by poor performance, which we find both disappointing and unacceptable,” the statement read.
Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, issued a statement on Wednesday, affirming Governor Mohammed’s loyalty to the PDP.
Gidado stressed that the Governor has “never contemplated leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” and that no moves, direct or indirect, had been made toward joining the PRP.
He identified Governor Mohammed as a key figure actively involved in efforts to stabilize the PDP and strengthen internal democracy within the party.
The government also criticized the PRP’s stance, arguing that the party had failed to appreciate the ongoing developmental gains and reforms in the state.
Gidado said: “The government maintained that Bauchi has continued to record progress under Mohammed’s administration, citing gains in empowerment, infrastructure, rural development, urban renewal and tourism.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and not be swayed by “habitual criticism” from political actors seeking relevance.
Gidado stated that while the Governor has the constitutional right to determine his political future, any such decision would not be influenced by “falsehood or malicious propaganda.”