PDP in Freefall? Bala Mohammed Jumps Ship as Makinde’s Alleged Exit Plan Sends Shockwaves Across Nigeria
Nigeria’s opposition landscape may be on the brink of a major political realignment following the dramatic defection of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with strong indications that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, could be next in line.
According to credible reports from Sunday PUNCH, Mohammed formally announced his resignation from the PDP on Saturday after what he described as extensive consultations with political stakeholders and key allies. The decision, he noted, was largely influenced by the recent Supreme Court judgment that invalidated parallel conventions held by rival factions within the party—an outcome that has thrown the PDP into a deep legal and structural crisis.
Supreme Court Verdict Triggers Political Earthquake
The apex court ruling, which nullified the legitimacy of competing party conventions, has effectively stripped both factions of legal standing. This has left the PDP without a clearly recognised leadership structure, with its Board of Trustees temporarily overseeing affairs amid growing uncertainty.
Mohammed described the development as a turning point, stating that the party’s inability to maintain internal cohesion and legal clarity made it increasingly difficult to function as a viable political platform.
> “As responsible leaders, we cannot allow our people to be left without a credible and effective political platform,” he stated.
Makinde’s Next Move: Exit Loading?
While Mohammed’s defection is now official, attention has quickly shifted to Governor Seyi Makinde, who is reportedly weighing his own exit from the PDP. Sources within the South-West political bloc revealed that Makinde has already taken subtle but strategic steps that signal a possible departure.
One of such moves includes instructing PDP aspirants in Oyo State not to obtain party nomination forms—a directive widely interpreted as a clear indication of impending defection.
A senior party figure disclosed:
> “The governor will leave the PDP any moment from now. Discussions are ongoing, and while the destination is not fully confirmed, options like the APM or the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) are being seriously considered.”
Another insider within Makinde’s cabinet corroborated the claim, noting that consultations are ongoing and a final decision is imminent.
However, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has publicly denied any knowledge of such plans, insisting that the governor has not made any official statement regarding defection.
A Party in Decline? PDP’s Shrinking Influence
The potential exit of both governors marks a significant blow to the PDP, which has been battling waves of defections, internal wrangling, and factional disputes in recent months. Once Nigeria’s dominant political force, the party’s grip on power has steadily weakened, with its ranks thinning across states and national structures.
Notably, Mohammed and Makinde were widely regarded as two of the last influential PDP governors still holding firm amid the crisis—making their possible departure even more consequential.
Their alignment with the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, whose 2025 Ibadan convention was invalidated, further complicates the situation. Meanwhile, the rival bloc led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has since asserted control over party structures, deepening internal divisions.
Race Against Time: INEC Deadlines Loom
Adding urgency to the unfolding drama are new guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Political parties are required to submit their digital membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primaries, with May 30 set as the official deadline for primaries nationwide.
This effectively means that politicians planning to defect must complete their registration with new parties by May 9 to remain eligible to contest under a different platform.
Why Bala Chose APM
Explaining his choice of the Allied Peoples Movement, Mohammed described the party as a “credible and crisis-free alternative” capable of ensuring political continuity and electoral success.
He emphasised that his move was not driven by bitterness but by necessity:
> “We remain PDP at heart, but we must move forward to sustain governance and deliver on our mandate.”
To ensure a seamless transition, the governor announced several measures, including the creation of a compliance committee, initiation of online membership registration, and engagement with APM leadership and INEC.
The National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, officially welcomed Mohammed and his supporters, praising his leadership style and describing the party as one grounded in integrity, service, and democratic values.
What This Means for 2027
With political alignments already shifting ahead of the 2027 general elections, Mohammed’s defection—and Makinde’s anticipated move—could trigger a broader wave of exits from the PDP, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s opposition politics.
If Makinde follows through, it could significantly alter the political dynamics in the South-West and beyond, raising critical questions about the PDP’s survival and the emergence of alternative power blocs.
For now, all eyes remain on Ibadan and Abuja as the countdown to a possible political earthquake continues.
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