Bauchi gov cancels defection move to APC as party rejects 60/40 formula

The Punch newspaper reports on the stalled political maneuverings in Nigeria's Bauchi State, where Governor Bala Mohammed's anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fallen through. The primary obstacle, according to Sama’ila Burga, Chairman of the Turaki-led PDP faction, was the APC's rejection of a proposed 60-40 formula for controlling the party structure in the state.

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This is how it has been done in other places where governors defected to APC. They rejected this formula and we have closed that discussion. You cannot expect a government bringing its structure from ward level to the state not to have control of the party.

Burga expressed disappointment, stating that the APC's refusal to accommodate the governor's structure from the ward to the state level was unacceptable. He emphasized that this formula had been precedent in other governor defections to the APC, implying a lack of genuine willingness from the APC leadership to integrate Mohammed's bloc equitably. This perspective highlights the internal power dynamics and negotiation tactics common in Nigerian politics, where control over party machinery is paramount.

The narrative from Mohammed's faction suggests that the APC initiated the talks, with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf even visiting Bauchi to persuade Mohammed. However, the breakdown over the sharing formula has led the PDP faction to formally discontinue discussions. They are now actively considering 'all available political options other than the APC,' signaling a strategic pivot rather than a complete abandonment of realignment plans.

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After 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.

From a Nigerian political standpoint, this event underscores the complexities of party politics and coalition-building. The focus on the '60-40 formula' illustrates how personal and factional interests often drive political decisions, sometimes overshadowing broader ideological alignments. The article reflects the local perspective in Bauchi, where the governor's political future and the balance of power within the state are of significant interest. The PDP faction's statement emphasizes their commitment to the 'aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State,' a common refrain used to legitimize political moves.

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While we appreciate the outreach and engagement by the APC, we wish to state unequivocally that the process has now been brought to a close. Consequently, the PDP in Bauchi State, in consultation with His Excellency and other critical stakeholders, is actively considering all available political options other than the APC to determine the most suitable path forward in line with the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bauchi State.