I’m a PDP Man, No Plans to Defect – Bala Mohammed

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed speculations that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting on Friday, Mohammed said his visit was strictly focused on governance and security cooperation, not politics or party realignment.

“I am a PDP man. I am not here for politics or defection. I am here for governance and partnership,” the governor stated, describing reports linking his visit to a possible defection as unfounded.

He explained that he briefed the President on the deteriorating security situation in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where banditry has escalated due to ungoverned forest areas surrounding the Daji Dam.

According to him, he had earlier visited affected communities with security officials to assess the situation and subsequently submitted a detailed report to the Federal Government seeking urgent intervention.

Mohammed said President Tinubu responded positively and issued directives aimed at strengthening security operations in the area.

The governor also called for enhanced interstate collaboration to address banditry, proposing a joint security summit involving Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau and Gombe states.

Reiterating his longstanding support for the establishment of state police, Mohammed argued that although the initiative would be financially demanding, it would ease pressure on federal security agencies and improve accountability at the state level.

“We are very ready for state police. We have always supported it because it will reduce the burden on the Federal Government and make governors more responsive and accountable,” he added.