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Tag: Bala Mohammed

  • Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    …dissolves Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Lagos, others

    A factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the expulsion of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and several others for alleged anti-party activities.

    The committee also sanctioned the dissolution of the State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

    These decisions were reached during the party’s 103rd NEC meeting held on Tuesday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

    Presenting the memo recommending the expulsions, the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, said the affected members were sanctioned for allegedly disregarding court judgments, a conduct he described as bringing the party into disrepute.

    The communique of the meeting was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    It reads, “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

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    “NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

    “NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

    “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

    NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following: Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

    “NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party. NEC also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

    “NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately, while the Edo State Exco, led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

    “NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

    “NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

    “NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

    “NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

    “The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

    “With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

    Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

  • JUST IN: Turaki, Govs Makinde, Mohammed tear gassed as Wike arrives PDP Secretariat

    JUST IN: Turaki, Govs Makinde, Mohammed tear gassed as Wike arrives PDP Secretariat

    Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tanimu Turaki were part of a crowd tear gassed by police operatives to disperse a crowd of supporters at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday. 

    The Governors and Turaki were denied access to Wadata House by Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led faction, which manned the main gate. 

    As the gathering became rowdy, police operatives fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police fire tear gas, disperse crowd at PDP secretariat

    But the gate was thrown wide open when FCT Minister Nyesom Wike arrived the Wadata House. 

    Details shortly…

  • The Audacity of Courage: Bala Mohammed & the Zaar Chiefdom

    The Audacity of Courage: Bala Mohammed & the Zaar Chiefdom

    By Emma Agu

    General Marcus Kokko Yake (Rtd) sat in studied silence, his gaze fixed pensively into space, as though contemplating a matter of grave importance.

    Indeed, he was.

    The solemnity of the moment weighed heavily on the retired general, a man who had faced battle on multiple fronts. History was unfolding before him, and he had become a central figure—among many, both living and departed—whose roles in this long and arduous journey would remain indelible.

    This historic occasion marked the formal presentation to Yake of the instrument of office as the first Gung Zaar. It was a moment shaped by decades of agitation, countless actors, peaceful negotiations, and regrettably, violent clashes that had claimed many lives. The path to this day had been anything but linear.

    It was an auspicious moment—one the people had awaited with keen anticipation and restrained emotion, given the twists and turns of their chequered struggle. So, when Aminu Hamayo, Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Bauchi State, handed Yake the letter affirming him as the first Gung Zaar of the Safaya Chiefdom, the crowd erupted in jubilation.

    The significance was not lost on Yake. Unlike the commanding presence he might have assumed during his distinguished military career, he chose instead to break into a Christian song—a reflection of the faith embraced by the majority in the new Chiefdom. This first-class territory had been carved out of the Bauchi Emirate Council, a predominantly Muslim domain, by the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

    For over half a century, the Zaar people’s quest for their own kingdom had defied resolution. Their agitation was one among many self-determination movements in Nigeria, marked by investigative panels, broken promises, harrowing violence, and dashed hopes.

    To be fair, successive administrations since the return to democratic rule in 1999 had made attempts to resolve the matter—Ahmed Muazu (1999–2007), Isa Yuguda (2007–2015), and Mohammed Abubakar (2015–2019) each took steps. Yet, none succeeded.

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    Shortly after Bala Mohammed assumed office in 2019, the agitation reached a dangerous crescendo. Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (Rtd), an indigene of the area, unilaterally declared himself Gung Zaar, claiming the mandate of his people. However, there was no legal framework establishing the Zaar kingdom—no procedure for selecting a traditional ruler, no government instrument delineating the Chiefdom’s boundaries, and no proclamation of its headquarters. In essence, it was an act of secession—a coup by a retired air force officer. He was swiftly arrested, and the drama took a new turn. In retrospect, it was a turning point for the better.

    In the aftermath of that unconstitutional move, Bala Mohammed pledged that a Sayawa Chiefdom would be established under his watch. He set the wheels in motion—and delivered. The rest, as they say, is history.

    Yet, this history should have been written long ago. Had it been the deep-seated animosity, economic stagnation, and needless bloodshed might have been avoided. That all this turmoil stemmed from narrow, parochial sentiments is a cruel irony—one that underscores how the masses, in their ignorance, often bear the brunt of elite arrogance, political inertia, and power struggles.

    Against this backdrop, Bala Mohammed’s decisive action to correct a decades-long injustice stands as a hallmark of responsible leadership. It opens the door to inter-ethnic reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, shared progress, and sustainable development. These must surely have been the thoughts racing through Yake’s mind—the man now entrusted with the formidable task of ensuring that Bala Mohammed’s audacity of courage becomes a lasting legacy.

    As we celebrate this milestone, it is only by embracing the qualities that unravelled this long-standing impasse that we can forge a viable blueprint for building a nation where, though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.

    Moments like this remind us of the critical role leadership plays in nation-building. Without diminishing the valiant efforts of previous administrations in Bauchi State, it bears stating that Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership was the most decisive factor in achieving this historic milestone.

    At the heart of his success was sincerity of purpose. When a leader’s public pronouncements align with private convictions—when what is said in the open mirrors what is done in private—trust and confidence naturally follow. That trust was evident even as the widely popular, self-appointed Gung Zaar was incarcerated by the police. His people remained largely calm, not because they were indifferent, but because they saw in Bala Mohammed’s administration a genuine movement—marked by intense stakeholder engagement, civic education, and a governance environment that prioritized inclusion over exclusion.

    Bala Mohammed’s reputation for inclusive governance, his insistence on leveraging Nigeria’s diversity for progress, and his innate empathy for the marginalized were key factors that enabled the successful resolution of this delicate matter.

    And yes, it was a delicate project—undeniably so. There are at least three reasons why. First, the creation of the Chiefdom required carving out a portion of the Bauchi Emirate Council, effectively reducing the Emir’s domain. No ruler would welcome such a move lightly. Second, given Bauchi State’s religious composition, the reconfiguration could be misrepresented—as some have mischievously done—as an attack on the Emir or even on Islam, since the majority in the new Chiefdom are Christians. For those who interpret it that way, one can only offer sympathy, because as far as Bala Mohammed is concerned, that train left the station long ago.

    By way of comparison, Bala Mohammed’s role in the creation of the Safaya Kingdom echoes his pivotal Doctrine of Necessity motion in 2010, which paved the way for Goodluck Jonathan’s ascension to the presidency following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Just as there was fierce resistance to the Sayawa Chiefdom, there was deep-seated opposition to Jonathan’s succession. Both episodes reveal Bala Mohammed’s character: when the issue is constitutionality, justice, and fairness, he consistently musters the courage to stand with the truth. This principled commitment to equity and inclusion defines the essential Bala Mohammed.

    I recall a moment years ago when he came under fire for hosting a Christmas carol at the old Bauchi State Government House. Unfazed by the backlash, he responded that he was not the governor of any particular sect, and that the Government House belonged to all—Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional faiths alike. It was no surprise, then, when during a recent media tour of Tafawa Balewa Local Government, the council chairman revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed personally covered the funding shortfall for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters. When a state or region is fortunate to have a leader like Bala Mohammed, peace and security are not just aspirations—they become lived realities. And when tensions arise, they are swiftly and effectively managed.

    Today, while General Yake can look back with pride and assurance that the battles of the past are behind him, he must also remember that every battle leaves behind broken bones, lost lives, and lingering memories. It is therefore incumbent upon him to engage those who must now accept the new order in honest dialogue—one that affirms their dignity, respects their culture, and protects the values they hold dear.

    Encouragingly, I’ve learned that the Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and frequent critic of Bala Mohammed, was so moved by this achievement that he sent a heartfelt message of gratitude. That gesture alone speaks volumes.

    Who says the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom—once thought impossible—cannot serve as a blueprint for resolving Nigeria’s many intractable self-determination agitations? As the Bible puts it, “the people rejoice when a good leader is on the throne.” That is the enduring lesson of Bala Mohammed’s administration in Bauchi State—a message to all who, despite the political theatrics of the moment, still dream of a Nigeria where the weak can lean on the strong, the poor on the rich, and the short on the tall, united as one people under God.

    Finally, let’s be clear: many deep-seated problems today are either swept under the carpet or denied outright. Bala Mohammed did neither. First, he acknowledged the problem. Second, he refused to politicize it. Instead, he ignited a governance process aimed squarely at resolution. Rather than capitulate to blackmail for political survival, he chose the path of integrity—guided by conscience and honour. Third, unlike the timid posture of leaders who have plunged their domains into unending peril, Bala Mohammed, as the Kauran Bauchi, boldly wielded his mandate to orchestrate an audacious transformation—one that has redefined the history of Bauchi State and, if given the opportunity, could reshape Nigeria itself.

  • Bauchi gov elevates elder brother, Duguri, to first-class emir

    Bauchi gov elevates elder brother, Duguri, to first-class emir

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has promoted his elder brother, Adamu Duguri, the traditional ruler of Duguri, to the rank of a first-class emir.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, presented the letter of elevation to the new emir at his palace in Duguri village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.

    While presenting the letter, Hammayo reminded the emir to discharge his duties in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the Bauchi State Chieftaincy Law 2025, and other relevant laws.

    He urged the monarch to be vigilant and comply with administrative guidelines issued by the state government.

    According to him, “The governor directed us to advise you to rule your people with fairness and justice, without any form of ethnic or religious bias. Your focus should remain on promoting unity and peaceful coexistence within the emirate.”

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    He added that the state government prayed for a peaceful and successful reign for the newly elevated emir.

    In his acceptance speech, Emir Adamu Duguri expressed gratitude to Governor Mohammed for the honour, describing the promotion as the realisation of a long-cherished dream.

    “Today, history has been made and our dream fulfilled. Our forefathers longed for this day, and we are grateful to Allah for granting us the grace to witness this historic moment,” he said.

    Before his elevation, Duguri served as the District Head of Duguri under the Bauchi Emirate Council. He is among the 13 new emirs recently created by the state government.

  • PDP fails to break the siege

    PDP fails to break the siege

    When he concluded plaintively on October 11 that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was powerless to arrest the defections of leading members of his party, it was obvious that Bauchi State governor and PDP Governors’ Forum chairman, Bala Mohammed, was despondent. “I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong,” he began with a hint of sarcasm, sounding almost like he was dreaming. “They are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. Sometimes, it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, I assure you.” His lament came shortly after the cat was let out of the bag about Enugu State governor Peter Mbah’s impending defection. Three days later, Mr Mbah left the PDP and berthed at the All Progressives Congress (APC), giving convincing reasons and ignoring Mr Mohammed’s remonstrations.

    Before the week ran out, another governor, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, one of the least expected to defect, though it had been widely rumoured, had left the PDP sheepfold. He too gave eloquent reasons for his exit. More defections could still follow, for the leading opposition party has proved incompetent to arrest the exodus. But those who prematurely sing a funeral dirge for the PDP suggest that the ruling APC seems bent on fostering a dictatorship over Nigeria, a one-party state that would dim the light of democracy. They exaggerate. The defection problem is less what the APC plans to do as what the PDP omits to do. Yes, the opposition party faces grave existential challenge, but it still possesses the seed to counter the ruling party and give hope for the future. The party is now down to eight states, from a decent 13 in 2023. It lost one through off-cycle election, and four by defections: Bayelsa, Enugu, Delta and Akwa Ibom. But it prefers to moralise the problem rather than strategise to arrest it. It prefers to preach rather than act timely and sensibly.

    Two things ail the PDP: a lack of visionary and assertive leadership, and a lack of strategy. Since it lost the epoch-defining and mind-shaping presidential election of 2015, the party was never the same. Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan who cost them the election refused to fall on his sword in penance for leading the troops to disaster; instead, he did much worse. Alleging betrayal against his party members and leaders, and displaying a sense of entitlement at a time when his leadership was sorely needed and even demanded, he sulked back to his native state. And when he caught his breath a little, he returned to Abuja and promptly adopted the post of ambassador plenipotentiary, stomping through African states and cities for election monitoring and other peacemaking duties, supposedly mocking Nigerians about the gem they foolishly scorned. But Nigeria has since moved on to other seductions. PDP leaders’ judgement was of course often infantile, but they were determined not to have anything to do with Dr Jonathan whom they controversially blamed for all their miseries and shortcomings. The party panted for great and transformative leaders who could stanch the flow of electoral blood depleting them, but no leader came forward. Their 2015 loss had so bewildered them that they lost the will to live or even play politics intelligently.

    Former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike saw the vacuum after 2015 and immediately filled it. He imbued the party with a new sense of direction, energised them with funds, imposed his will on party chieftains, and brought the party out of the doldrums. Even when some dissatisfied party chiefs lured the nomadic former vice president Atiku Abubakar into using the party’s platform to contest the presidency, Mr Wike still held the reins, refusing to feel scorned by ungrateful party members. The return of Alhaji Abubakar unfortunately produced two counterproductive elements. Firstly, it opened the party to his unhealthy and entitled influence; and secondly, it robbed the party of the commitment and resourcefulness of Mr Wike. With dissension now freely coursing through the party and polluting its soul, it was just a few steps away from disaster. That disaster exploded in their faces in 2023, and shortly after the polls, Alhaji Atiku, the great nomad, once again departed for greener pastures, thrusting the knife deeper into the party’s back. This time, sadly, there was no one left in the party to help pick up the pieces. All its leaders are now gone, and third-rate leaders with no sense of direction, urgency or the funds to back up their talk are inexpertly attempting to chart a new path.

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    The second failing is even much worse than the first. Yes, the PDP lacks vibrant and imaginative leaders; but by lacking a strategy to reclaim and rediscover itself, the party has become rudderless. After losing the 2015 elections, it was apoplectic and began adopting desperate and impractical measures. But after losing the 2023 presidential election, party leaders seemed to have virtually lost all hope thereby endangering the party’s survival. After the 2025 electoral disaster, party leaders should have constituted a high-powered panel to rejig the party and recreate its purpose by refining and honing its founding ideals. Instead, they were obsessed with the next presidential election in 2019, sought for a draftee to be their champion, and found the mercurial and jinxed Alhaji Atiku. The founding ideals of the party should have been repurposed, and party organs and structures should have been reworked in a way that finds and elevates new or younger and more driven leaders. As a matter of fact, they should have glossed over the 2019 election and set a new timetable for themselves, either 2023 or 2027. Unfortunately, they spurned the idea of the long haul, ignored the crying need for restructuring, and rushed with fatal consequences into the next electoral war they were both unsuited and unprepared for.

    It is, however, not too late to make amends once they are persuaded that they need to do substantial refitting of their party. They must start by acknowledging that they are too hobbled by internal dissension to win the 2027 presidential poll. Next, they must find brilliant and animated politicians with the resources and rhetorical flourish who can both approximate and aggregate their future and speak persuasively and fluently to it. They must centre their renewal on those who remain behind, the real altruists who are willing to work and put their shoulders to the wheel, men and women who see the PDP as a project worth dying for. Twelve years of losing presidential elections may have deprived them of the capacity to mentor the party’s future leaders; it is now time to find and mentor the hopes of that future. The APC will not always be strong, and may even sometimes drop the ball; the PDP must, therefore, find ways to take advantage of those overconfident and careless moments.

    Some analysts have predicted the demise of the opposition party; but such predictions are probably exaggerated. Party leaders must not allow those predictions to become self-fulfilling. Pride may not allow them to abandon the 2027 race, which may explain why they have been hunting for jaded politicians like Dr Jonathan to come and help them fight the Goliath confronting them. Let them instead register only a token presence in the race; and let them strategise for the future, a strategy that begins with repurposing and refitting their once powerful party. Indeed, their main challenge is finding a few brilliant and altruistic leaders to lead the charge, men who understand strategy and deplore political self-aggrandisement.

  • Bala Mohammed: action of defecting PDP govs cowardly

    Bala Mohammed: action of defecting PDP govs cowardly

    • Says many leaving for personal interest; accuses APC of plotting one-party state
    • Mbah’s defection will change Igbo’s story in APC – Nwoye
    • Tinubu vows to sustain APC’s founding agreements
    • Bauchi Senator quits PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday took a swipe at the governors and other members defecting from the party, describing them as cowards.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the media and publicity sub-committee of the party’s national convention in Abuja yesterday, the Bauchi State governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Alhaji Bala Mohammed, wondered why the defectors would abandon the party on account of the actions of other party members.

    Bala’s statement came ahead of the plan by Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, to formally dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.

    There are also strong speculations that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba would soon dump the beleaguered party.

    Earlier in the year, two governors—Sheriff Oborewori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—had defected from PDP to APC, taking with them the entire party machinery in their states.

    But charging PDP members not to be dissuaded by the wave of defections, the Bauchi State governor said: “We are confident. Please, be emboldened. Don’t be disturbed by the defections and the shenanigans and the Doubting Thomases. “Staying back to fight is what makes a man or woman. It’s an act of cowardice to leave because of one man or woman.

    “You are also men and women of strength and courage.”

    Senator Mohammed said that while he was concerned about the spate of defections from the PDP, the party would not stop anybody from leaving because defection is a matter of personal decision.

    He said the situation would have been worse if he and some other party leaders had not worked round the clock to address the issues responsible for such actions.

    The governor, who heads the Publicity and Communications Sub-Committee for the party’s elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State said a lot was being done behind the scene to reduce the rate of defections.


    He accused the ruling APC of planning to turn the country into a one-party state by intimidating the opposition, but said the PDP would remain strong “as the only democratic party in the country”.

     He said the PDP has suffered a lot, but has continued to weather the storm because it remains the only true and democratic party in the country today.

     The governor said: “If you ask me whether I am concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden.

    “As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

     “The defections would have been more devastating, but we have been talking and discussing.

    “You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state.

    “They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.

     “I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong. They are free to do whatever they choose.

    “But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier, because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections.

     “Sometimes, it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you.”

     Asked whether he also planned to leave the PDP, the Governor Mohammed said: “I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.

    “Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going.

    “They are being cajoled. They are being bought. But certainly, the state is PDP, and the nation is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP.

    “Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes.

    “By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver.

    “Nobody stops you from leaving, so that you can create another space for others to come around and contribute to governance.

    “Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are.

    “That is what will play out in 2027. I am optimistic that we will get a new set of leaders in 2027 who will defeat the deceptive style of the APC by coming up with true leaders who will listen to Nigerians and address their challenges by the grace of God.

    “If somebody goes, it’s just like the barracks; soldiers go, soldiers come.

    “Please, don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level.

    “We are doing our best, but it is beyond our control.

     “Please, be emboldened. Don’t be disturbed by the defections, by the shenanigans, by all those doubting Thomases.

    “Yes, you should be encouraged, because staying back to fight is what makes a man or a woman.

    “It is an act of cowardice to leave because of one or two people.

    “You are also men and women of strength and integrity.”

    Speaking on the party’s plans for a successful national convention and the pockets of grievances across the country, the governor said: “I cannot speak for the National Working Committee. But as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations.

    “Many are artificially created to undermine us. But we don’t have any faction in the PDP.

    “At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court not to go for a convention. This is not good and makes some of them at the National Assembly feel unsafe.

    “We are addressing these issues squarely. If you check well and comparatively, you will discover that most of the other parties in the opposition are not better off than us.

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    “We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact—with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.

    “This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver.

    “As a big party with a history since 1999, still with the same logo, colors, manifesto and leadership, we should commend the National Working Committee for doing well despite limitations.

    “We have to really change the narrative. This is a party to be in.

    “We have been suffering a lot as a party, but we have been weathering the storm, and we will continue to weather the storm.

    “This convention is here to stay. We are going to Ibadan by the grace of God, and no Jupiter will stop us. No dark forces will succeed over us.

    “The dark forces, if they succeed over PDP, they have succeeded over Nigeria.

    “We have to change governance style of this country, and this is the beginning.

    “This is the time to do it.

    “We have never suffered as a country as we are suffering today under the APC.

    “You have seen what is happening. We don’t have to go into deep melancholy and be crying as whipping boys or girls.

    “We have to do something within the democratic space to change the leadership, to change the nation.”

    Speaking on the planned defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who is also the Secretary of the PDP Convention Planning Committee, Gov Mohammed said: “Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision.

    “We cannot remove his picture (as Secretary of the convention committee) before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person.

    “But up till now, he has not told me he is leaving. I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me assurances.

    “He’s a governor like me. I respect him and his decisions. If he goes, we will replace him.”

    Speaking on speculations about the possibility of him running for the Presidency on a joint ticket with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Mohammed said “People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy.

    “As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside.

    “I have exceeded my personal expectations. I stepped out to be a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, but I stepped down to become a governor.

    “I have done my best and I’m happy. But I am prepared to serve in any capacity I am called upon to serve.

    “But we have removed personal interests. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, insha Allah”.

    Speaking on Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is supposed to be the deputy chairman of the publicity sub-committee, he said: “He has not left the party; he is still in PDP.

    “Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in.

    “Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy.”

    Mbah’s defection will change Igbo story in APC — Enugu caretaker chairman Nwoye

     The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has described the planned defection of Governor Peter Mbah from the PDP to the APC as a defining political moment for the Southeast region, saying it will “change the Igbo story” in the nation’s ruling party.

     Speaking with journalists at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu yesterday, shortly after his arrival from Abuja, Nwoye said the entire political structure of Enugu State would officially join the APC on Tuesday in what he called a “historic alignment” between transformation and renewed hope.

     According to Nwoye, Mbah’s entry into the APC marks the end of Enugu’s decade-long stint in opposition and ushers in a new phase of political inclusion and national relevance for the Southeast.

     “For the past 10 years, Enugu State has remained in opposition. But all that ends on Tuesday when Governor Peter Mbah declares for the APC. And he is not coming alone,” Nwoye said.

     He disclosed that the defection would involve the governor, his appointees, 260 councillors, 24 state lawmakers, National Assembly members and the entire state executive council.

     “Where Enugu goes, the Southeast goes. This marks the beginning of the Southeast’s political reawakening and full integration into national politics,” he added.

     Nwoye, who took his oath of office at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Friday, commended Mbah’s performance in his two years as governor, describing him as a symbol of innovation and transformational leadership.

    “Before now, the Southeast had been left out of the main protocols of governance. But with Mbah’s entry into the APC, the Igbo story will change for the better.

    “Peter Mbah is not joining the APC for himself but for his people,” he stated.

    Highlighting Mbah’s achievements in governance, Nwoye said Enugu State had become a national model of innovation and efficiency.

    “We are no longer talking about just paving roads. We are talking about disruptive innovation, from coding initiatives to modern governance systems, all within two years.

    “If he could achieve that as an opposition governor, imagine what he could do as a progressive,” Nwoye enthused.

    He also assured that under the new political alignment, appointments for Enugu people at the federal level would now originate from within the state rather than through external influences.

    “When we say Enugu needs to be connected to the centre, this is what it truly means,” Nwoye declared.

     …nullifies all suspensions in Enugu APC, calls for unity

     The newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, yesterday announced the nullification of all suspensions previously imposed on party members by the recently dissolved Ugochukwu Agballa-led executive committee.

    The chairman also declared the suspensions “null, void and of no effect.”

    Nwoye, who returned to the helm of the party following the dissolution of the Agballa-led executive by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) last Thursday, made the announcement while addressing a large gathering of party leaders and supporters at the APC Secretariat in Enugu yesterday, shortly after returning from Abuja.

    Among those affected by the earlier suspensions were former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Governor Sullivan Chime; former Speaker and current Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Barr. Eugene Odoh; former Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, among others.

    Describing the series of suspensions under the Agballa leadership as a “political caricature” that weakened the party’s cohesion, Nwoye said such actions were counterproductive and inimical to progress.

    “How can you suspend the very people you need to win elections?” he queried.

    He therefore declared all forms of suspensions, whether issued through letters, audio messages, or radio announcements, as invalid, emphasising that the party must now embark on genuine reconciliation and reintegration of all aggrieved members.

    According to Nwoye, the national leadership of the APC had given him a clear mandate to return to Enugu and rebuild the party’s unity ahead of critical political contests in the state.

    The caretaker chairman further observed that the political atmosphere in Enugu had significantly changed with the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah, describing his coming as a “new political dawn” for the APC in the state.

    He warned that the party could no longer afford division or complacency in the evolving political landscape.

    “With the right strategy and unity of purpose, APC will not remain on the sidelines in Enugu. We will be the party that sets the agenda and defines the next political direction of this state,” Nwoye stated.

    Earlier, on arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Nwoye told reporters that with Governor Peter Mbah’s entry into the APC, Enugu would “regain all that it had lost in the past.”

    He described Mbah as a transformational leader who had achieved remarkable progress across various sectors within two years in office, adding that the governor’s move to the APC was for the collective good of his people.

    Our correspondent reports that there was wild jubilation at the airport as enthusiastic APC members trooped out in large numbers to welcome Nwoye and members of his caretaker committee back to the state.

    PDP candidate in Zamfara by-election defects to APC

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the recently concluded Kaura Namoda South Constituency by-election in Zamfara State, Mohammed Lawal, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Lawal, who was defeated in the by-election by the APC candidate, Kamilu Sa’idu, announced his defection on Saturday during a consultation meeting for Zamfara Central organised by the APC support group, Yazeed Project, in Gusau, the state capital.

    Explaining the reason for his decision, Lawal said the PDP neglected him after the election despite his contributions to the party’s success in previous polls.

    “What influenced my decision to leave the PDP is personal. I am convinced that Governor Dauda Lawal has no feeling for the majority of people who worked day and night for his victory,” he said.

    “I decided to join the APC because of their good intention and vision that convinced me.”

    He expressed confidence in the leadership of the APC under the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, former governor Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari, and the state party chairman, Tukur Danfulani, saying the party would continue to grow stronger under their guidance.

    Bauchi Senator quits PDP over internal crisis

    The Senator representing Bauchi North, Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, citing what he described as incessant internal squabbles and factionalisation within the party.

    In a letter dated October 6, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Tsokuwa/Kofar Gabar Ward, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Kaila said the deepening crisis in the party had hindered his ability to effectively discharge his duties as a lawmaker in the 10th Senate.

    “The incessant internal squabble that has led to unnecessary factionalisation within the PDP is seriously affecting my ability to deliver on my constitutional responsibilities as an elected representative,” the letter partly read.

    He explained that his decision to quit the party followed due consultation with his political associates, adding that he would be moving to another political platform soon.

    “Accordingly, I hereby write to inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the PDP with immediate effect,” he stated.

    The senator, however, did not disclose the political party he intends to join.

    Kaila thanked the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, expressing hope for future collaboration “for the benefit of our great country.”

    Efforts to reach the lawmaker for further comments proved unsuccessful as calls and messages to his mobile phone were not returned as of press time.

    Tinubu vows to sustain APC founding agreements as 64,000 defect to ruling party

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the agreements and power-sharing arrangements reached by the legacy parties—ANPP, ACN, CPC and others—which merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The President, represented by Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, spoke in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, while receiving over 64,000 defectors who joined the APC from opposition parties.

    Tinubu assured that his administration would ensure justice, fairness and full inclusion for all blocs that formed the ruling party, while sustaining the party’s manifesto designed to address the needs of Nigerians in both rural and urban areas.

    Buni said the Renewed Hope Agenda was already transforming the socio-economic landscape of the country through policies targeted at stabilising livelihoods and improving standards of living.

    “You are all living witnesses that food prices have started coming down to a level the common man can afford. Government will continue to ensure the welfare of the people,” he said.

    He added that the federal government would intensify support for farmers through the provision of inputs and implements to boost agricultural productivity.

    The President also directed the speedy completion of the remaining sections of the Kano–Maiduguri highway without further delay.

    Tinubu, through his representative, commended Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi, for his leadership style and people-oriented projects, which he said attracted mass defections from opposition parties.

    He welcomed the new members and assured them of equal rights and privileges like every other party member.

    In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, described the massive defection as a clear testimony that Jigawa is solidly for the APC.

    “What we have seen and witnessed today proves that Jigawa belongs to APC and APC belongs to Jigawa. We are confident of winning all elective positions in 2027,” he said.

    He congratulated the new members, saying, “You have returned home. Your decision is timely and commendable.”

    Governor Umar Namadi also lauded President Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and commitment to equity across all parts of the country.

    He presented the compiled list, political history and profiles of the defectors to the national chairman during the event.

  • We can’t stop anybody from leaving PDP – Gov. Bala Mohammed

    We can’t stop anybody from leaving PDP – Gov. Bala Mohammed

    Ahead of the planned defection of Enugu Governor next Tuesday and the rumour of the possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of his Taraba counterpart, Bauchi Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, said on Saturday that the party will not stop anybody from leaving. 

    Mohammed said the decision to leave the party was a personal decision, saying even though he is concerned about the spate of defections, the leaders of the party were working round the clock to address the issue leading to such actions. 

    The Governor, who head the Publicity and Communications sub committee for the party’s elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, said a lot was being done behind the scene to reduce the rate of defections. 

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to make the country a one party state through intimidation of the opposition, but said the PDP will remain strong and the only democratic Party in the country. 

    He said the PDP has suffered a lot but continued to wither the storm because it remains the only true and democratic party. 

    The Governor said: “If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our Governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

    “The defections would have been more devastating. But we have been talking and discussing. You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.

    “I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong. They are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections.

    “Sometimes, it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you”.

    Speaking on whether he also planned to leave the PDP, the Governor said “I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division. Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. 

    “They are being cajoled; they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP, and the nation is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. 

    “By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Nobody stops you from leaving, so that you can create another space for others to come around and contribute to governance. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are.

    “That is what will play out in 2027. I am optimistic that we will get a new set of leaders in 2027 who will defeat the APC by coming up with true leaders who will listen to Nigerians and address their challenges by the grace of God.

    “If somebody goes, it’s just like  Barracks. Soldiers go, soldier come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control. 

    Read Also: I am not leaving PDP – Bala Mohammed

    “Please, be emboldened. Don’t be disturbed by the defections, by the shenanigans, by all those doubting Thomases. Don’t be disturbed. Yes, you should be encouraged because staying back to fight is what makes a man or a woman. It’s an act of cowardice to leave because of one or two people. You are also men and women of strength and integrity”.

    Speaking on the plans for a succeso national Convention and the pockets across the country, the governor said “I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP. 

    “At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court not to go for a convention. This is not good and makes some of them at the National Assembly feel unsafe.

    “We are addressing these issues squarely. If you check well and comparatively, you will discover that most of the other parties in the opposition are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact—with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.

    “This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver. As a big party with a history since 1999, still with the same logo, colors, manifesto, and leadership, we should commend the National Working Committee for doing well despite limitations. 

    “We have to really change the narrative. This is a party to be. We have been suffering a lot as a party. But we have been withering the storm, and we will continue to wither the storm. 

    “This convention is here to stay. We are going to Ibadan by the grace of God and no Jupiter will stop us. No dark forces will succeed over us. The dark forces — if they succeed over PDP, they have succeeded over Nigeria. We have to change governance style of this country, and this is the beginning. This is the time to do it. We have never suffered as a country as we are suffering today under the APC.

    “You have seen what is happening. We don’t have to go into deep melancholy and be crying as whipping boys or girls. We have to do something within the democratic space  to change the leadership, to change the nation. 

    “I was listening to one song when I came in; it was enumerating some of the achievements of the PDP. Since we left office, nobody took over. It was as if there was a vacuum — a void in terms of delivery of democratic dividends.

    We have to work hard to inform and sensitize Nigerians. 

    Speaking on the reported planned defection of Enugu Gov Peter Mbah, who is also the Secretary of the PDP Convention planning Committee, Mohammed said: “Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. 

    “We cannot remove his picture (as Secretary of the convention committee) before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. But up till now, he has not told me he is leaving. I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me assurances. He’s a governor like me. I respect him and his decisions. If he goes, we will replace him”.

    Speaking on speculation about the possibility of running for the Presidency on a joint ticket with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov Mohammed said “People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As Governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside.

    “I have exceeded my personal expectations. I stepped out to be a presidential candidate in the 2023 election, but I stepped down to become a governor. I have done my best and I’m happy. But I am prepared to serve in any capacity I am called upon to serve. But We have removed personal interests. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah”.

    Speaking on Rivers Governor  Sim Fubara who is supposed to be the Deputy Chairman of the Publicity sub committee, he said: “He has not left the party; he is still in PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in. Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy.”

  • I am not leaving PDP – Bala Mohammed

    I am not leaving PDP – Bala Mohammed

    The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, says he is not defecting from the party.

    Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the Publicity and Communications Sub-Committee for the forthcoming PDP convention, said this while speaking with newsmen on Saturday.

    He spoke after the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee in Abuja.

    “I assure you I am not going anywhere.

    ” I am in PDP and my state has no element of division,’’ he said.

    He, however, said that while he was more than concerned over some members of his forum defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he had no control over them because they were of equal status.

    “As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

    “This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing,’’ he said.

    He noted that some of the defecting governors left because they were being coerced.

    “Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations.

    “I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, ” he said.

    Read Also: Why PDP should reward Gov Bala Mohammed with vice-presidential slot

    Mohammed also advised those leaving the PDP to stop demarketing it because they were leaving.

    On litigations ahead of the party’s national convention, Mohammed said the party’s leadership was doing everything possible to address them.

    He noted that many of the litigations were created to undermine the party

    “At the state level, I have even seen some people taking us to court not to go for a convention.

    “This is not good and makes some at the National Assembly feel unsafe.

    ” We are addressing these issues squarely,’’ he said.

    On speculations that Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State was leaving the party, Mohammed said that the governor was yet to inform the party of his position.

    “I have discussed this issue with him separately, and he has given me his assurances.

    “He’s a governor like me, and I respect him and his decisions,’’ he said.

    He also stated that the Deputy Chairman of the party’s governors’ forum, Gov. Siminalaye Fubura of Rivers, still remained a PDP member.

    “He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in.

    ” Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy,’’ he said.

    On the speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2027 election on the party’s platform, Mohammed said they were happy that prominent persons were still associated with the party.

    Speaking earlier at the sub-committee’s inaugural meeting, Mohammed advised party members not to be disturbed by the issue of defection.

    Mohammed also maintained that nothing would stop the party’s national convention scheduled for Nov. 15 in Ibadan, saying “this convention is here to stay.”

    “ By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us; no dark forces will succeed over us,” he said.(NAN)

  • Why PDP should reward Gov Bala Mohammed with vice-presidential slot

    Why PDP should reward Gov Bala Mohammed with vice-presidential slot

    • By Nasiru Hanga

    As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical crossroads. After years of internal crises, factional battles, and dwindling influence, the party is gradually regaining its footing.

    One man who has played a central role in this rebirth is the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

    Governor Bala Mohammed has not only proven himself as a competent leader in Bauchi but also emerged as a unifying force within our party at the national level. At a time when disillusionment and rancor threatened to rip PDP apart, his calm but firm leadership at the Governors’ Forum helped stabilize the ship.

    Governor Mohammed built consensus where there was discord, rallied governors to speak with one voice, and restored confidence in the PDP as a viable alternative for Nigerians.

    The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated. In Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, no political party can thrive without internal harmony. Bala Mohammed’s interventions gave PDP a fresh lease of life, convincing millions of our supporters across the country that the party still has the resilience and capacity to govern. It is therefore only logical that such loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership be rewarded.

    Beyond party politics, Bala Mohammed’s record as governor speaks volumes. Under his stewardship, Bauchi has witnessed infrastructural renewal, improved healthcare delivery, agricultural support schemes, and a renewed commitment to education.

    His governance style reflects pragmatism, inclusiveness, and a keen understanding of Nigeria’s diversity qualities that are indispensable in national leadership.

    A shining example of his inclusive leadership is his accommodation of the Bauchi Christian community, both in government and in daily governance.

    Read Also; Tinubu grants Herbert Macaulay, Vatsa, 173 others presidential pardon

    He has ensured their active participation in his cabinet, sponsored Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, and hosted Christmas celebrations at the Government House acts that demonstrate his genuine commitment to unity and religious harmony.

    He sees Christians in Bauchi as part of his family, and this rare leadership quality is what Nigeria needs at the national level.

    Equally remarkable is his courage in addressing issues previous administrations avoided.

    A case in point is his bold move to bring a permanent solution to the Tafawa Balewa Local Government crisis, a long-standing challenge that others chose to sidestep.

    He has also tackled the lingering Bauchi water problem, effectively utilizing World Bank funds that had been left idle for years a testament to his foresight and managerial discipline.

    Politically, Bala Mohammed’s stabilizing influence goes beyond Bauchi State. His strategic leadership kept the PDP safe from political undertakers who predicted its demise during the rise of the ADC.

    Many who defected during the unveiling of ADC have since returned to the PDP a clear indication of his tactical acumen and political resilience. This is what true political calculation looks like.

    He continues to play a key role in shaping the PDP’s national strategy, working to ensure that the party presents its best possible presidential candidate be it Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, or other credible figures from the South showing that he prioritizes Nigeria’s unity and the party’s strength over personal ambition.

    His decision to support zoning and sacrifice his own presidential aspiration for the sake of national balance underscores his patriotism.

    Governor Bala Mohammed is also known for his confidence, eloquence, and fearlessness traits that earned him the traditional titles Kauran Bauchi and later of Daular Usmaniya.

    He is the brain behind the formation of the Ministers’ Forum, where he supported the emergence of Kabiru Turaki (SAN) as a national leader. The forum continues to thrive as a space for policy dialogue and coordination among former ministers.

    Let us also not forget his contributions to the historic Doctrine of Necessity, which helped bring stability to Nigeria during one of its most uncertain political moments.

    His strong sense of nationalism is evident in the inclusivity of his projects whenever he commissions projects in Bauchi, he ensures that people from all parts of Nigeria are invited, fostering a spirit of unity.

    Where there were no voices, Bala Mohammed’s voice always rings out in support of the people whether in debates over the tax bill or other national issues that affect ordinary Nigerians.

    Even more telling of his character is his enduring loyalty to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the change of power, Bala Mohammed has never spoken ill of his former boss a rare quality in today’s political landscape where opportunism often trumps loyalty.

    The PDP has made mistakes in the past by sidelining loyal party men in favor of temporary expediencies. 2027 presents an opportunity to correct this. If the party is truly serious about reclaiming power and offering Nigerians a credible alternative, it must entrust critical positions to men of character, loyalty, and capacity.

    Governor Bala Mohammed is such a man. His role in stabilizing the PDP after years of turmoil deserves recognition. Making him the Vice-Presidential candidate in 2027 would not just be a reward it would be a strategic masterstroke for a party that must blend experience with political stability to win back the trust of Nigerians.

    The PDP must rise above sentiment and short-term politicking. It must be bold enough to recognize merit and loyalty. Bala Mohammed has earned it.

    Nasiru Hanga writes from Kano State.

  • Bauchi governor wins award in Paris

    Bauchi governor wins award in Paris

    Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has bagged the People’s Choice Governor’s Excellence Award in Paris, France, in recognition of his transformational leadership and commitment to good governance.

    The award, under the category of Transformational Leadership and Good Governance in Africa, spotlights Mohammed’s policies on inclusive development and efforts to improve the lives of Bauchi people.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Hassan Gamawa, Mohammed described the honour as “a call to do even more for the people of Bauchi State, to consolidate the gains we have made, and to sustain the values of service, accountability, and transformational leadership.”

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    The Paris event gathered leaders, policy experts, and development advocates across Africa, where ten governors from countries including Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia and Nigeria were honoured.

    Organisers said the recognition was strictly merit-based, spotlighting leaders who deliver measurable results through innovation, courage, and people-centred governance.

    Governor Mohammed’s award was anchored on his administration’s strides in infrastructure renewal, education and health reforms, agricultural transformation, and policies promoting peace and inclusion.

    While congratulating fellow awardees, Mohammed described them as “partners in building a new story of Africa where leadership is not about titles, but about impact, innovation, and legacy.”