Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, declaring that his visit was strictly for governance and security matters.

Speaking with journalists after the closed-door session, the governor said insinuations of political realignment were unfounded, stressing that his priority remains addressing the security challenges confronting parts of his state.

“I am a PDP man. I am not here for politics or defection. I am here for governance and partnership,” Mohammed said. “This is a time to collaborate with the Federal Government in the national interest, particularly on security.”

The governor explained that his visit was primarily to brief the President on the worsening security situation in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where bandits have reportedly taken advantage of ungoverned forest areas around the Daji Dam corridor.

He said the activities of the armed groups have resulted in sporadic clashes with security agencies and triggered panic among residents, many of whom have fled to neighbouring local governments and states for safety.

“I personally visited the affected areas with heads of security agencies, assessed the situation and compiled a report which I presented to Mr. President, seeking special intervention,” he said. “The response has been very positive. He has given directives and assured us of federal support.”

Mohammed added that Bauchi State is also considering a joint security summit with contiguous states, Taraba, Plateau and Gombe, to strengthen inter-state collaboration against banditry and criminal networks operating across shared forest belts.

He warned that Bauchi, which has enjoyed relative peace over the past decade, cannot afford a prolonged security setback at a time of renewed investor interest, particularly in mining and emerging oil and gas prospects.

On the renewed debate over state police, the governor reaffirmed his long-standing support for decentralised policing, saying Bauchi is prepared to embrace the initiative once constitutional processes are concluded.

“We are very ready for state police. We have always supported it because it will reduce the burden on the Federal Government and make governors more responsive and accountable,” he stated.

While acknowledging the cost implications, Mohammed maintained that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, noting that improved security over the years had boosted economic activities and productivity in Bauchi.

Reiterating his commitment to the PDP, the governor said political victories are rooted in grassroots structures rather than high-level alignments.

“Elections are won at the polling units and locally, not nationally. I am staying back to serve my people,” he said.