By Vincent Egunyanga, Ben Adoga and David Eze
The reported plan by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered sharp reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with opposition figures warning that the country may be drifting toward a dangerous one-party dominance.
Mohammed’s alleged move, which has now entered the public domain, is being interpreted by critics as a major blow to the opposition and a development that could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Bauchi governor, long regarded as one of the PDP’s most vocal national figures and critics of the ruling party, now finds himself at the centre of intense criticism from political actors who accuse him of abandoning the opposition at a critical moment.
*‘It’s embarrassing, shameful,’ Shehu Sani, others mock PDP Govs’ Forum chair
One of the strongest reactions came from PDP chieftain Umar Sani, who described the development as a troubling moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I weep for the death of democracy. If Bala leaves, who is left?” Sani said during a television interview.
According to him, Mohammed’s position as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum places him in a strategic leadership role within the opposition.
“He is the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. He should lead from the front and not capitulate,” Sani added.
Former senator and social commentator Shehu Sani also mocked the unfolding drama within the opposition, suggesting that the PDP’s ranks of governors are rapidly shrinking.
“Only two governors are left in the party, and even at that, they are not sure of each other,” Sani said sarcastically.
“Whenever they call each other, the first question is: ‘Are you still there?’ meaning ‘Are you still in the PDP?’”
Sani’s remark quickly drew attention on social media, with many interpreting it as a jab at the growing wave of defections weakening the opposition ahead of the next election cycle.
Also reacting, Labour Party chieftain in Ebonyi State and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Eze Oko Splendour, said the development reflects what he described as the troubling behaviour of politicians prioritising personal interests over ideology.
“The news that Governor Bala Mohammed is set to defect to APC is not shocking to me because most of the governors we have this time are very self-centred,” he said.
Splendour questioned what could have prompted such a dramatic political shift from a governor who had previously been highly critical of the APC administration.
“This same Bala Mohammed was very vocal in criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. What has changed now that he wants to join the same party and government he vehemently criticised?” he asked.
*Opposition raises alarm over one-party state fears
He warned that the increasing wave of defections from opposition politicians could weaken democratic competition in the country.
“I really do not like this idea of governors trying to force Nigeria into a one-party system. That will destroy our democracy and encourage tyranny,” he said.
A former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ameh, also condemned the development, describing it as both embarrassing and dangerous for Nigeria’s political balance.
“The defection of Governor Bala Mohammed to the APC is shameful. The situation of governors defecting to the ruling party is very unfortunate and embarrassing,” Ameh said.
He warned that the steady migration of opposition governors into the APC was creating fears that Nigeria could gradually drift into a one-party political structure.
“Any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state will not work,” he added.
According to Ameh, many governors are defecting out of fear of political survival rather than conviction.
“Some of them believe the Federal Government will determine the results of the 2027 elections, so they are moving to the ruling party,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Ameh expressed confidence that Nigerian voters would ultimately determine the country’s political future.
“The current leadership at the state level is weak. It is about courage. Nigeria will be liberated in 2027,” he stated.
Within the PDP, reactions to the development have been mixed. A senior party chieftain who spoke anonymously described Mohammed’s possible departure as a relief for the party.
“It is good riddance to bad leadership. It has exposed those who, from the beginning, wanted to destroy the party,” the chieftain said.
He also dismissed claims that the development would automatically lead to a one-party state.
“You can only talk about a one-party state if there is a law banning other parties. That is not the case. PDP remains the strongest opposition party in the country,” he said.
*PDP meets for reconciliation, Lamido hails Wike’s leadership
Meanwhile, sources said the PDP is expected to meet in Abuja likely today in a fresh attempt to reconcile aggrieved members and stabilise the party ahead of looming political battles.
Amid the crisis, a founding member of the PDP and former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as political shrewdness in addressing the party’s leadership vacuum.
Speaking with journalists during a Ramadan Iftar with PDP executives and members in his hometown of Bamaina, Lamido said Wike acted decisively by facilitating the establishment of a caretaker committee after the tenure of the party’s National Working Committee expired.
“Wike is very shrewd. He recognised the situation and established a caretaker committee, which became the only structure in place after the NWC’s tenure elapsed,” Lamido said.
The former governor urged party leaders and members to embrace reconciliation and support the caretaker arrangement to prevent further internal crises.
“Even if some of us oppose him politically, we must engage him in the spirit of brotherhood and PDP unity. Reconciliation is essential if the party must move forward,” he added.
Lamido warned that persistent internal conflicts and recent defections have unsettled loyal party members and could undermine the PDP’s readiness for future elections.
“This holy month is a time for reflection and seeking peace. We must work together for the prosperity and security of Nigeria,” he said.
He also reminded party leaders that the PDP belongs to all its members and urged them to place the party’s legacy above personal interests.
“Our responsibility is to protect the PDP’s heritage and ensure it continues serving Nigerians,” Lamido added.
