The Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State has constituted a high-powered exit committee to review its future amid growing indications of a possible defection by Governor Bala Mohammed.
The move followed earlier signals by the governor suggesting a potential shift from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.
Recall that on Tuesday, Mohammed disclosed that the African Democratic Congress was his preferred destination as consultations on a possible defection continued. He made the disclosure while hosting a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Government House, Bauchi.
“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” the governor had said.
Speaking on Saturday after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, confirmed the constitution of the committee to examine the party’s position and explore the possibility of exiting the PDP as part of a broader political realignment.
Burga explained that the committee had been mandated to assess all available options and recommend a direction that would best serve the collective interest of party members and the state.
“The committee has been given the responsibility to prepare our collective position and explore the possibility of exiting the party, as well as aligning with another platform, based on what will best serve our interest,” he said.
He disclosed that the committee would be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and would include key stakeholders across party and government structures.
According to him, members of the committee include representatives from the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, party executives, and local government chairmen. Elected local government officials and other senior party figures are also part of the committee to ensure broad-based representation.
The Secretary to the State Government is to serve as secretary of the committee.
Burga added that the committee would consult widely before presenting its recommendations at a subsequent meeting where a final decision on the party’s political direction in the state would be taken.
He further noted that another stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to review the committee’s report and determine the next line of action.
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