Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

The proposed defection of Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stalled following a disagreement over control of party structures in Bauchi State.

Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction in the state, Sama’ila Burga, disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, stating that negotiations between the governor’s camp and the APC ended in a deadlock.

According to Burga, the crisis stemmed from the APC’s rejection of a proposed 60/40 power-sharing formula, which would have allowed the governor’s camp to retain majority control of the party structure in the state. He noted that similar arrangements had been adopted in previous defections involving sitting governors.

“The discussions have been closed. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have significant control of the party,” Burga said.

He further revealed that the talks were initiated through engagements involving the APC’s national leadership and key stakeholders, including the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, who reportedly visited Bauchi to persuade Mohammed to join the ruling party.

Despite the collapse of negotiations with the APC, Burga said the governor and his supporters remain open to exploring alliances with other political platforms. He added that consultations were ongoing from the ward level up to the state level to determine the next political direction.

The development highlights the growing political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as governors and influential blocs seek strategic positioning within Nigeria’s shifting party landscape.

Burga insisted that the APC’s stance demonstrated its unwillingness to fully accommodate the PDP structure and the existing state government framework, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the talks.

Defection Talks Collapse as Bala Mohammed, APC Disagree on Power-Sharing Formula

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a fresh swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record on privatization and criticizing his political maneuvers.

Speaking in a remark that has since stirred political reactions, Tinubu described Atiku as the “head of the calabash,” a phrase often used to depict a leading figure within a coalition. He used the comment to cast doubt on Atiku’s past role as chairman of Nigeria’s privatization council, particularly pointing to the steel industry.

The president questioned the outcome of the privatization exercise, asking whether the sector is functioning effectively today, in what observers see as a direct critique of Atiku’s economic legacy.

Tinubu did not stop at economic issues. He also took aim at Atiku’s political history, alleging that the former vice president attempted to “privatize another man’s political party,” but was resisted. Though he did not mention specifics, the comment is widely interpreted as a reference to past internal party struggles involving Atiku.

The exchange highlights the deepening rivalry between the two political heavyweights, as alignments and coalition talks continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

Political analysts say Tinubu’s remarks are part of a broader effort to challenge Atiku’s credibility on governance and reform, while reinforcing his own administration’s stance on economic management and political leadership.

“Is It Working Today?” — Tinubu Takes Swipe at Atiku’s Privatization Legacy

Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for a transparent and credible primary election within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning against any attempt to impose a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, stressed that democratic principles must be upheld within the party, insisting that members should be allowed to freely choose their flag bearer through a fair voting process. He rejected the idea of backroom agreements, saying party leadership must emerge through due process.

On the possibility of Atiku Abubakar emerging as the party’s presidential candidate, Amaechi said he would support the former vice president if he secures victory in a transparent primary. However, he maintained that no aspirant should be handed the ticket without undergoing a credible contest.

He described Atiku as qualified to contest for the presidency, noting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek the country’s highest office, regardless of ongoing debates over zoning and power rotation.

Amaechi dismissed arguments centred on North–South power rotation, arguing that competence and capacity should take precedence over regional considerations. According to him, Nigeria requires a leader with the energy, strength, and responsiveness needed to confront the country’s mounting challenges.

Drawing comparisons with global political trends, he pointed to the emergence of younger leaders in other parts of the world, emphasizing that effective leadership demands alertness and the ability to respond swiftly to national issues.

He added that the presidency requires someone who can actively engage citizens, understand their problems firsthand, and work consistently toward practical solutions.

The former minister also cautioned Nigerians against voting along religious or ethnic lines, blaming such considerations for the country’s current difficulties. He argued that economic realities cut across all divides, affecting citizens irrespective of faith or background.

Amaechi further criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying economic hardship has worsened nationwide. He noted that rising costs of fuel, transportation, and basic commodities have left many Nigerians struggling to meet daily needs.

“Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Christians or Muslims. The market does not know that. The market understands just one language, Naira and Kobo. It doesn’t understand any other language. Now, everybody is suffering. Everybody is looking for food to eat,” he said.

He concluded that leadership at all levels should prioritise economic recovery and citizens’ welfare over identity politics, urging political actors to focus on policies that directly improve living conditions across the country.

Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries