BAUCHI, NIGERIA (9News Nigeria) – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, led a high-powered delegation to Bauchi State on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, for a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed.
The unscheduled visit is widely seen as a strategic “rescue mission” by the ruling party to convince the Governor to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, rather than joining the fast-growing African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A Party in Turmoil
Governor Mohammed, a vocal critic of the current state of the PDP, has recently described his party as “headless” and “battered.” During the meeting, sources close to the Government House indicated that the Governor reiterated his frustration with internal PDP crises, specifically blaming FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the party’s lack of cohesion.
“The PDP as it stands is no longer a viable platform for the aspirations of my people,” Mohammed was reported to have said during the deliberations.
The APC’s Counter-Strategy
The APC’s sudden overture comes at a sensitive time. Following the recent defection of heavyweight politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the ADC, the ruling party is reportedly anxious about the ADC becoming a formidable “Third Force” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By attempting to bring Bala Mohammed into their fold, the APC aims to:
- Secure a stronger foothold in the North-East.
- Prevent a massive alignment between Mohammed and other opposition figures within the ADC.
- Neutralise the threat of a unified opposition front.
The “ADC Factor”
Despite the APC’s aggressive wooing, the Governor remains strongly linked to the ADC. Just days ago, he received a formal invitation from ADC National Chairman David Mark, delivered by a delegation led by Babachir David Lawal. Mohammed has publicly noted that the ADC appears “welcoming,” while some of his supporters feel “unwanted” by certain factions within the APC.
What’s Next?
As of Thursday, 2 April 2026, all eyes have shifted to Abuja, where Governor Mohammed is expected to hold a final round of consultations. While APC negotiators are reportedly offering power-sharing deals to accommodate the Governor’s camp, local Bauchi APC stakeholders remain wary of how his entry might affect existing party hierarchies.
A formal announcement regarding the Governor’s final destination—whether he chooses the “broom” of the APC or the “key” of the ADC—is expected within the next 24 hours.
