By Rauf Oyewole
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Comrade Aliyu Ilelah, has said that only self-centred politicians who are against the success of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections would oppose the planned defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, to the party.
Ilelah made the statement on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Bauchi, reacting to a caucus meeting of APC stalwarts led by Senator Samaila Dahuwa, which opposed the governor’s possible entry into the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the caucus’ position as driven by bitterness and selfish interests rather than the collective success of the APC.
“It is disrespectful to the leadership of the party and Mr President. While the President and APC national leadership are reaching out to the governor, some individuals are busy trying to shut the door against him,” Ilelah said.
He accused members of the caucus of pursuing personal interests, noting that some of them had previously defected between parties after losing primaries, while others joined the APC from the PDP without consultation.
Ilelah warned that such actions could undermine President Tinubu’s chances in 2027 if not addressed.
“Any political strategy that alienates a sitting governor is short-sighted and dangerous to the party’s national interest,” he added.
He maintained that a majority of APC supporters in Bauchi State support Governor Mohammed’s defection and are willing to welcome him into the party.
According to him, no serious political party would ignore the electoral value of a sitting governor with a large political following.
Ilelah further praised what he described as President Tinubu’s inclusive political approach, citing alignments across several states as evidence of efforts to strengthen national unity within the APC.
He, however, urged Governor Mohammed to remain patient and join the party, assuring that many APC members in Bauchi are ready to receive him.
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