Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has expressed displeasure with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who are aligning with the new opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform.
Speaking at the PDP Stakeholders Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasised that ‘no one can be a PDP member and a coalition member at the same time’.
Governor Mohammed said that the party could no longer tolerate what he termed as “indiscipline” among its members.
He emphasised that members have to choose only one place to stay, saying, “We cannot take indiscipline to a level where it becomes contagious.
”If you are in PDP, you are in PDP, you cannot be in the PDP and be in the coalition or another party.”
He likened the situation to being a hermaphrodite, saying, “You cannot be a man and a woman at the same time.”
The governor’s message was echoed by most of the founding members of the party who were in attendance.
They agreed that people cannot claim to be members of the PDP while working for the interest of other political parties.
The stance reflected the party’s efforts to maintain discipline and unity among its members.
The PDP has been embroiled in internal crisis for over two years now.
The party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, recently resigned from the party, citing irreconcilable differences that have emerged within the former ruling party.
Atiku noted that he found it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which diverges from the foundational principles it stood for.
Before Atiku’s resignation, former Senate President David Mark also resigned from the opposition party. Mark has since been announced as the interim chairman of the coalition adopted party, ADC.
The development has further highlighted the internal challenges facing the other members of the party who are exploring alternative political options.
The PDP’s internal crisis and the exodus of key members have raised concerns about the party’s future.
Governor Mohammed’s statement reflected the party’s determination to maintain discipline and unity among its members.
As the party navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for its leadership to address the underlying issues and find a way to retain its members and rebuild its strength.
