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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has firmly rejected speculation that he might defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mohammed insisted that no pressure or intimidation from the federal government would force him out of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He spoke on Wednesday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Bauchi while receiving an Award of Excellence as a Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria.
The governor linked his resolve to stay in the PDP with the ongoing challenges faced by his Finance Commissioner, Yakubu Adamu, who is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Despite my Commissioner being incarcerated and my name being unfairly dragged into legal proceedings, I will not bow to intimidation or join the APC,” Mohammed declared.
“I am not a terrorist, and I will never condone criminality. Yet, my administration continues to face undue persecution.”
The governor expressed frustration at what he described as injustices against his administration, pointing to the harsh scrutiny his officials have endured despite his immunity as a sitting governor.
He lamented that the federal government controls over half of national resources while states like Bauchi struggle to meet even basic infrastructural and security needs.
“Politics in Nigeria has become extremely harsh,” he lamented.
“But with the work we have done in Bauchi, nobody can legitimately accuse us of arbitrariness.
“Even under pressure, I remain committed to peace, justice, and the well-being of our people.”
Governor Mohammed also criticised the federal government’s new tax law, describing it as potentially harmful to citizens, and reiterated that Bauchi remains one of the safest states in the North due to community-driven governance that transcends party lines.
He warned against political persecution.
“The APC-led federal government cannot continue to use institutions like the EFCC to target those outside their party. We will no longer remain silent. I refuse to join APC, and nobody will criminalise me or my officials unjustly,” he warned.
Earlier, the Safety Institute of Nigeria commended the Governor for his initiatives to enhance public safety.
Dr. Haruna Malgwi, a Life Member of the Institute, described him as a deserving recipient of the Safety Ambassador award.
Governor Mohammed concluded by emphasising that the recognition inspires him to continue serving Bauchi with humility and integrity, undeterred by political pressures or challenges.
