The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has vowed to resist attempts, allegedly being made by the state governor, Bala Mohammed to defect to the party.
The Secretary of the PRP Bauchi State chapter, Wada Abdullahi, in a statement on Wednesday, said the party “does not have space” to accommodate the governor.
Abdullahi wrote, “The attention of the PRP has been drawn to circulating rumours suggesting that Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State may defect to our esteemed party soon, following the disbandment and inevitable collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels.
“We wish to clarify that, even if there are elements of truth within these speculations, the PRP, as a party founded on strong ideals and disciplined principles, does not welcome Bala Muhammed into our ranks.”
The PRP scribe further stated that the governor’s tenure is characterised by poor performance, “which we find both disappointing and unacceptable.”
Continuing, Abdullahi said of the governor, “We closely observed his conduct and that of his supporters during recent events at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
“Such behavior is inconsistent with the values of our party, which stands for sanity, decency, orderliness, and discipline. We are committed to upholding these principles and do not wish to see them compromised.
“Should the PRP form the government in 2027, we intend to thoroughly investigate his administration, bring any wrongdoers to book, and review policies implemented during his tenure.”
“We will reverse policies deemed detrimental to the development of Bauchi State, including controversial decisions such as the creation of First Class Emirates and the appointment of his elder brother as Emir. These actions, in our view, require scrutiny and, if needed, nullification.
“Despite this stance, we remain open to individuals who have contributed positively to the development of Bauchi State and who can meaningfully contribute to the growth and progress of our party and the state at large. The door of the PRP is always open to such dedicated and committed citizens.
“The PRP remains committed to serving the people with integrity and dedication, and our doors are always open to genuine contributors to our shared vision.”
Governor Mohammed was first elected in 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and got re-elected in 2023 for another four-year-term, which will expire in 2027.
He is currently the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Six of the 12 governors the PDP had in 2023, had since defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while one joined the Accord Party.
The six governors who joined the APC are Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was the only one that defected to Accord Party.
The renaming governors in the PDP are Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Bala Muhammed (Bauchi).
More of the party’s governors are being speculated to be on their way out of the PDP any time soon, as the leadership crisis that forced some of them out of the party keeps festering by the day.