Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reacted to claims suggesting that he plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.
The governor, through a statement released by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado on Wednesday, made it clear that the reports were completely untrue and crafted only to mislead the public.
Gidado explained that the attention of the governor was drawn to a message circulating in Bauchi, allegedly issued by the PRP publicity secretary.
The message claimed that Governor Mohammed was being warned not to make any attempt to join the party.
He described the claims as a deliberate distortion aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy.
According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement credited to the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, in Bauchi State, alleging that Governor Bala Mohammed is not welcome to join the party.”
He added that comments of that nature ordinarily should have been ignored, but silence sometimes encourages false narratives to spread.
He maintained that the governor has never held discussions with the PRP, never initiated talks about switching political platforms, and has never considered leaving the PDP.
Gidado stressed that the remarks credited to the PRP were not only false but, as he put it, “a figment of the author’s imagination.”
The statement further explained that although every citizen has the right to determine their political future, Governor Mohammed has not reached any point where such a transition is being considered.
“Should that time ever arise,” the statement read, “such a decision will not be dictated by the dubious machinations of political turncoats who thrive on falsehood and malice.”
Gidado also highlighted the governor’s role in stabilising the PDP at both the state and national levels. He noted that Mohammed has consistently worked to strengthen the party, particularly during periods of internal tension.
The governor added that the governor’s political record and achievements speak for themselves, pointing to his victories over the PRP in two closely fought elections.
He advised residents and PDP supporters in the state to be wary of individuals attempting to create confusion for personal gains.
According to him, the state has made significant progress in infrastructure, tourism, empowerment programmes, and rural development, and such progress must not be undermined by opportunistic politics.
The clarification comes at a time when internal movements within political parties have drawn national attention.
In recent weeks, the PDP has witnessed notable defections, including that of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to the Accord Party and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to the APC.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.