The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, amid growing speculation over his possible defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The meeting, which took place at the Government House in Bauchi, was attended by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf.
Both Mohammed and Yilwatda declined to speak with journalists after the meeting, leaving details of their discussions undisclosed.
The development comes a day after Mohammed signalled that the ADC is his preferred destination as he considers leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he currently serves as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
On Tuesday, the governor hosted a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, also at the Government House in Bauchi.
Speaking after that meeting, Mohammed cited the protracted crisis within the PDP as a key factor behind his planned defection.
“We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked,” he said.
“We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the All Progressives Congress, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”
The governor said ongoing consultations with various political platforms had narrowed his options, with the ADC emerging as the most viable.
“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” he added.
Mohammed further disclosed that a final decision on his political future would be taken soon, with a formal announcement expected by Thursday.