Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following weeks of consultations and mounting speculation over his political future.

The announcement was made on Saturday at the Government House in Bauchi, marking a significant shift amid the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP.

Mohammed had previously described the opposition party as “headless,” signaling his willingness to explore alternative political platforms. Political analysts say the move could further weaken the PDP by triggering defections among loyalists and eroding its grassroots support.

Reacting earlier to the Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment on the PDP leadership dispute, the governor said the ruling failed to hand decisive control to any faction within the party.

He noted that neither his camp, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, nor the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, emerged victorious.

“We have succeeded in ensuring that no single individual hijacks the party,” Mohammed stated.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, he added: “As democrats who respect the rule of law, we accept the judgment. But it is not a victory for anyone.”

The governor explained that the PDP’s Board of Trustees would temporarily oversee the party’s affairs in line with its constitution, pending the establishment of a caretaker committee.

He also accused Wike and his allies of undermining the party, alleging links with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mohammed said his defection was driven by the need to secure a more stable political platform for his supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Our hearts remain with the PDP, but politically we must move forward,” he said.

The governor further confirmed his intention to contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in 2027, noting that his decision followed extensive consultations with alternative political platforms before settling on the APM.