Bauchi (Nigeria): The Bauchi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has discontinued discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the defection of Gov. Bala Mohammed.
The Chairman of the party, Sama’ila Adamu-Burga, said this at a news conference on Saturday in Bauchi.
The APC leadership and Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State recently invited Gov. Bala Mohammed to join the APC.
He said the PDP terminated the discussions after the APC rejected the conditions presented to it, paving the way for the defection of Mohammed and other PDP elected officials in the state.
Adamu-Burga listed some of the conditions rejected during the discussions, including a 60/40 sharing formula for the APC’s leadership and a request for reimbursement of funds spent on Federal Government projects executed by the PDP administration in the state.
“We wish to clarify that the initiative for these discussions came from the APC. His Excellency graciously responded out of respect for the eminent personalities involved and in keeping with his commitment to dialogue and inclusiveness,” he said.
According to him, the governor, the PDP, and the people of Bauchi State participated in the engagements in good faith.
“However, after extensive consultations with PDP stakeholders and careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership.
“In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued.
He added that following the breakdown in talks, the PDP, after consultation with the governor and stakeholders, is now exploring all political alternatives besides the APC, underscoring the party’s decision to seek alliances consistent with its core interests.
He added that the PDP is considering the best path forward in the interest of Bauchi State.
While dismissing an alleged faction, Adamu-Burga said the PDP remained united and committed to strengthening internal democracy to sustain the state’s development.
“We remain committed to responsible leadership, inclusive governance, and the continued progress of our dear state,” he assured.
