Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following weeks of speculation over his political future.

The defection was announced by the governor at the Government House on Saturday, amid the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP.

Mohammed had earlier described the party as “headless” and signalled openness to alternative political platforms, a development analysts say could weaken the PDP by triggering an exodus of loyalists and diminishing its grassroots strength.

Reacting to the recent Supreme Court judgement on the PDP leadership dispute, the governor noted that the ruling did not grant victory to any faction within the party.

“We have succeeded in ensuring that no single individual hijacks the party,” he said.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Mohammed added that both his camp, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, failed to secure outright control.

“As democrats who respect the rule of law, we accept the judgement. But it is not a victory for anyone,” he stated.

He explained that the PDP’s Board of Trustees would temporarily oversee the party’s affairs in line with its constitution, pending the establishment of a caretaker committee.

The governor also accused Wike of undermining the party, alleging that the FCT minister and his allies maintain close ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mohammed said his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the need to secure a more stable political platform for his supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our hearts remain with the PDP, but politically we must move forward,” he said.

He further confirmed his intention to contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in 2027, noting that extensive consultations with alternative political platforms preceded his eventual defection to the APM.