Bala Mohammed Says PDP Will Reclaim Aso Villa in 2027 Despite Defections

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will return to power in 2027 despite a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum and the party’s National Convention Publicity Committee, admitted that recent defections were worrisome but insisted that the PDP remains united and resilient. He said the leadership was quietly rebuilding trust among members and strengthening the party’s grassroots network ahead of the next general elections.

The Bauchi governor accused the APC-led federal government of using state power to weaken the opposition, claiming that the ruling party was determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party system. He described the defections as part of a wider political strategy but said they would not stop the PDP from regaining national relevance.

Mohammed said many of those who left the party were already regretting their decisions as loyal members at the grassroots continued to stand by the PDP. He noted that while some politicians were being influenced by money and pressure, the core of the party in his state remained intact.

He said that Nigerians were yearning for change and still saw the PDP as the only credible platform capable of delivering good governance. According to him, most of the country’s major policy achievements since 1999 were recorded under PDP administrations, a legacy he believes will help the party regain public trust before 2027.

Mohammed dismissed claims that internal disputes could derail preparations for the PDP’s upcoming national convention. He said efforts were underway to resolve all pending litigations, describing them as politically motivated distractions. He also stated that the PDP remained more organised than other opposition parties, maintaining a unified leadership structure.

Addressing rumours about the possible defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Mohammed said Mbah had not formally informed the party of any plan to leave. He also praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and continued loyalty to the PDP despite political challenges in his state.

Commenting on reports linking former President Goodluck Jonathan to a possible return to politics, Mohammed said the PDP would welcome any prominent figure willing to work with the party. He added that the PDP governors were united and committed to presenting credible candidates in the next presidential election.

Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, expressing optimism that the party would produce new, visionary leaders capable of defeating what he described as the APC’s deceptive style of politics. He said that defections were part of the political process but insisted that the PDP’s structure remained solid and ready for victory in 2027.