Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed confidence that the opposition party will remain strong and reclaim power in 2027, despite ongoing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Subcommittee, said the party was working quietly to stabilise its ranks and rebuild public trust.

He admitted concern over the recent defections of some governors and lawmakers to the APC but noted that efforts were ongoing to strengthen the party.

“I am more than concerned about our governors leaving for the APC. But leadership is a burden. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes to keep the party united,” he said.

Mohammed accused the APC-led federal government of using coercive tactics to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.

“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.

The governor, however, maintained that defections would not derail the PDP’s resurgence, saying the party still enjoyed massive grassroots support.

“Even those who left are not finding it easy because most of the people at the grassroots are PDP and are not happy with the defections. I assure you I am not going anywhere. My state has no element of division,” he said.

Mohammed acknowledged that more defections could happen, including among lawmakers in Bauchi State, but stressed that the PDP structure remained intact.

“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he said.

He added that the PDP remained the only credible platform capable of rebuilding the nation, noting that most of the federal government’s major achievements were recorded under PDP administrations.

“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.

On the forthcoming PDP convention, Mohammed said the party leadership was working to resolve internal disputes and court cases aimed at destabilising preparations.

“Many litigations are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP. Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better organised, with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary,” he said.

Responding to speculation about possible defections by some PDP governors, Mohammed said Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah had not communicated any decision to leave the party.

“Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara had left the PDP, describing him as a loyal member who had weathered significant challenges.

“He has not left the party. He is a humble young man who has gone through a lot and is managing the situation well,” he said.

Commenting on speculations linking former President Goodluck Jonathan to a possible 2027 presidential project, Mohammed said the PDP remained open to welcoming prominent figures who wished to associate with the party.

“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah,” he said.

Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, expressing optimism that visionary leaders would emerge from the party in 2027 to challenge what he described as the APC’s “deceptive” politics.

“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he said.