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

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed

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.