By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammad, has officially dumped People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joined Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), in the interest of his people.
Governor Bala Mohammed made the pronouncement of his defection to Allied People’s Movement (APM) on Saturday at the old Banquet Hall of Government House Bauchi, where he explained that the decision to join APM was guided by one overriding objective to continue serving his people with purpose and integrity.
He noted that APM offers a viable platform to organise effectively, mobilise supporters and present a coherent, and credible alternative to his people in Bauchi as Allied Peoples’ Movement is free from legal encumbrances that could impede aspirations of aspirants.
He informed that his government is not leaving PDP out of bitterness, but necessity to continue the struggle for good governance by upholding the torch of democracy for the benefit of people.
The Governor appreciated PDP for the significant role it played in his collective political journey, as it has been a platform through which he served, grown and contributed meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation in general.
“Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to all our members, leaders, and supporters for your loyalty, patience and resilience. These are not ordinary times. We are confronted with a complex political situation, but I am reassured by your steadfast commitment, unity 1and loyalty”.
“However, the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment has fundamentally altered the landscape and our expectations. The Court, in a split decision, nullified the parallel conventions conducted by the contending factions and declared all actions arising from those conventions null and void. This has effectively left both sides without legal standing, with the Board of Trustees temporarily assuming responsibility for the affairs of the party, in accordance with the constitution of the PDP.
“Despite this, we have witnessed actions that do not align with the spirit and letter of that judgment, further deepening uncertainty. After careful consideration and wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders across the country, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results.”
The Governor noted that to ensure a seamless and lawful transition into APM, measures have been taken including the establishment of a Compliance Committee to guide all actions in line with legal and electoral requirements, engagement with APM leadership to strengthen party structures at all levels and to interface with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He therefore urged supporters to remain focused on overarching objective of delivering continued progress, stability, and prosperity for the state with assuring of his full commitment to provide the needed support for the rapid development of the state.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, explained that APM is guided strictly by its constitution and the will of the people and expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammad for finding it worthy to join the party.
While assuring Governor Bala Mohammed and the good people of Bauchi State of safety and total support by the NEC of the party, Dantalle described Governor Mohammed as real Democrat and fairless politician and therefore declared him as leader of APM in the State.
