Gov Bala Mohammed slams Atiku, others for decamping to party without office

Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has criticised prominent party leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, for leaving the PDP to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

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Speaking at a consultative conference of PDP founding fathers and stakeholders held in Abuja, Governor Mohammed described the move as a betrayal of the party’s legacy, warning that defecting to a party lacking structure and political relevance was a mistake.

“PDP has a history, legacy, and structure nationwide. Our governors are working hard.

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“But because of pressure and persecution, some people are defecting, thinking it’s the solution.

“They will be proved wrong,” Mohammed said.

He appealed for unity within the party and called on the defectors to return.

“This is what you helped build — a platform with sitting governors, senators, House members, local government chairmen.

“Why abandon it for a coalition that doesn’t even have an office? It’s political suicide,” he said.

Governor Mohammed condemned dual allegiances, warning that “such disloyalty breeds confusion and undermines discipline.

“You can’t belong to two political parties at once.

“You can’t be a man and a woman at the same time. Make a choice.”

While extending a hand of reconciliation, Mohammed stressed that defectors must stop demarketing the PDP.

“Most of you realised your political ambitions through this party.

“Some contributed to our loss in 2015 but were welcomed back. You got tickets, became governors, and leaders through PDP. You owe it loyalty.”

He reiterated the party’s openness to reconciliation but emphasised the need for commitment, discipline, and respect for its structures.