The Bauchi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has discontinued discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the defection of Governor Bala Mohammed.

The Chairman of the party, Sama’ila Adamu-Burga, stated this at a news conference on Saturday in Bauchi.

The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State recently visited and invited Mr Mohammed to join the party.

He said that the PDP terminated the discussions after the APC rejected the conditions presented to it to pave the way for the defection of Mr Mohammed and other PDP elected officials in the state.

Mr Adamu-Burga listed some of the conditions rejected during the discussions to include a 60/40 sharing formula for the APC’s leadership, and a request for the reimbursement of funds spent on the federal government’s projects executed by the PDP administration in the state.

“We wish to clarify that the initiative for these discussions came from the APC. His Excellency graciously responded out of respect for the eminent personalities involved and in keeping with his commitment to dialogue and inclusiveness,” he said.

According to him, the governor, the PDP, and the people of Bauchi State participated in the engagements in good faith.

“However, after extensive consultations with PDP stakeholders and careful consideration, it became clear that the conditions collectively advanced for such a political realignment were not accepted by the APC leadership.

“In light of this, we want to announce that the discussions have not yielded a conclusive outcome and are hereby formally discontinued.

“Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options and political parties other than the APC.

“This is with a view to determining the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State,” he said.

While dismissing an alleged faction, Mr Adamu-Burga said the PDP remained united and committed to strengthening internal democracy to support the state’s sustainable development.

“We remain committed to responsible leadership, inclusive governance, and the continued progress of our dear state,” he said. 

(NAN)