Bauchi PDP Forms Exit Committee as Defection Talks Intensify

The Peoples Democratic Party of Bauchi State has established a powerful exit committee to assess its future in light of mounting signs that Governor Bala Mohammed may defect.

The governor had previously hinted at a possible transition from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.

As discussions about a potential defection continued, Mohammed revealed on Tuesday that the African Democratic Congress was his preferred destination. He revealed this while entertaining an ADC delegation at Government House in Bauchi, which was headed by Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“As of right now, ADC seems to be a very friendly and acceptable platform. We haven’t finished our conversations, though. We are involving stakeholders to make sure we don’t make mistakes,” the governor stated.

Speaking on Saturday following a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Burga affirmed the committee’s formation to assess the party’s stance and consider leaving the PDP as part of a larger political realignment.

Burga clarified that the committee’s mandate was to evaluate every option and suggest a course of action that would best serve the interests of the state and party members as a whole.

“The committee has been tasked with preparing our collective stance and investigating the possibility of leaving the party, as well as aligning with another platform, based on what will best serve our interests,” he stated.

He revealed that important stakeholders from various political parties and governmental structures would be on the committee, which would be presided over by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau.

He claims that commissioners, party executives, chairmen of local governments, and members of the National and State Assemblies make up the committee. To guarantee widespread representation, the committee also includes elected local government representatives and other prominent party figures.

The committee’s secretary will be the State Government’s secretary.

Before presenting its recommendations at a later meeting where a final decision on the party’s political course in the state would be made, Burga continued, the committee would consult extensively.

He added that a second meeting of stakeholders would be held to discuss the committee’s report and decide on the next course of action.