Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following weeks of political consultations and internal party tensions.

The governor announced his move on Saturday at the Government House in Bauchi, ending weeks of speculation about his political future amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

Mohammed had earlier described the PDP as “headless,” signalling dissatisfaction with the party’s internal struggles and suggesting openness to alternative platforms.

His defection comes against the backdrop of divisions in the opposition party, with rival camps emerging over leadership control following a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Reacting to the judgement, Mohammed said the court’s decision did not give any faction outright control of the party, adding that it prevented what he described as a takeover by any single group.

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

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the governor added that although the ruling was accepted, it did not represent a victory for any side, noting that the party’s Board of Trustees would temporarily oversee its affairs pending further restructuring.

Mohammed also accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of working against the PDP, alleging links between his camp and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said his decision to leave the PDP 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.

Mohammed also confirmed plans to contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat in 2027, adding that consultations with alternative political groups had influenced his decision to join the APM.