Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has obtained the senatorial nomination form of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), barely five days after dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the new political platform.
Mohammed had announced his defection to the APM on May 2, citing the persistent internal crisis and legal disputes rocking the PDP as reasons for his departure.
According to him, the APM offered a more stable platform for him and his supporters to continue their political activities without distractions.
In a statement released on Thursday, the governor disclosed that he picked up the nomination form during the party’s national executive committee meeting held at the APM national headquarters.
Mohammed had earlier declared his intention to contest the Bauchi South senatorial seat shortly after leaving the PDP.
“During the meeting, I officially picked up my nomination form to contest for the senate seat representing Bauchi south senatorial district under the platform of the APM ahead of the forthcoming elections,” he said.
The governor explained that the NEC meeting, chaired by Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, deliberated on major national and party-related issues.
He added that the gathering also gave him the opportunity to formally engage with the party’s leadership and organisational structure.
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Mohammed said the country’s political environment has increasingly been characterised by what he described as undemocratic tendencies and political intimidation, making it difficult for progressive politicians and groups to participate freely in the democratic process.
He stated that after extensive consultations with political allies, stakeholders and supporters nationwide, the APM emerged as the preferred platform that aligns with their political aspirations and vision.
According to the governor, the party’s principles reflect his own political beliefs, particularly in areas such as good governance, inclusiveness, justice, internal democracy and adherence to the rule of law.
“I further emphasised that our decision to join the party was driven by conviction and the desire to contribute meaningfully to building a stronger democratic culture in Nigeria,” he said.
Mohammed further disclosed that several political figures and stakeholders who previously belonged to the PDP in Bauchi State defected alongside him to the APM.
He listed members of the national assembly, lawmakers in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners, ward executives, party officials and numerous grassroots supporters among those who joined the new political movement.
The governor also pledged his commitment to the growth of the party, assuring its leadership of his willingness to deploy his political experience, resources and support towards strengthening the APM.