Bala Mohammed Reiterates Loyalty to PDP Amid Political Speculation

A claim that Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has prompted a formal rebuttal from his supporters, who insist that no constitutional process has removed him from the party.

The allegation was contained in a press statement reportedly issued by Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, who described himself as speaking on behalf of a Bauchi State PDP Caretaker Committee.

However, associates of Governor Bala Mohammed say the claim lacks a procedural basis under the party’s constitution and risks misleading party members and the public.

Disciplinary Procedures in Question

At the centre of the dispute is the PDP constitution, which outlines a multi-step process for disciplining or expelling a member.

According to party guidelines, any disciplinary action must originate at ward level, where the member is registered. Allegations must be formally documented and investigated by a duly constituted disciplinary committee, and the affected individual must be granted a fair hearing.

Recommendations are then expected to pass through recognised party organs, with a right of appeal available within the party structure.

Supporters of the governor argue that none of these steps has been undertaken in his case.

“There has been no formal notification, no ward-level action, and no fair hearing,” one senior party figure in Bauchi said. “Any claim of expulsion outside this framework would be inconsistent with the party’s constitution.”

The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC), while a key decision-making organ, is also bound by constitutional provisions, analysts note.

Legal and Political Context

The controversy comes at a time when internal leadership matters within the PDP are already subject to judicial consideration.

Party stakeholders aligned with the governor say issues relating to leadership disputes are before the courts and that members should await the outcome of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

Legal observers say that, until a court delivers a definitive ruling on related disputes, public declarations of expulsion may have limited practical effect.

Governor’s Standing Within the Party

Senator Bala Mohammed is a long-standing member of the PDP. He has previously served as a Senator of the Federal Republic and minister of the Federal Capital Territory and is currently serving a second term as Governor of Bauchi State under the party’s platform.

He also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, a body coordinating PDP governors nationwide.

Political analysts say it would be unusual for a serving governor and chairman of the party’s governors’ forum to be removed without a clearly documented and constitutionally compliant process.

Broader Implications

The development highlights continuing tensions within the PDP following the 2023 electoral cycle, during which internal disagreements became more pronounced in several states.

Observers warn that prolonged disputes could weaken party cohesion if not managed through established mechanisms.

Governor Bala Mohammed has publicly stated that he remains a member of the PDP and has no intention of leaving the party.

His allies describe the expulsion claims as politically motivated, while critics argue that internal disagreements reflect deeper structural challenges within the party.

For now, the matter underscores the importance of constitutional procedure, internal democracy, and judicial clarity in resolving party disputes.

As the situation unfolds, party members and political watchers will be monitoring both the legal process and the PDP’s next institutional steps.