The silence of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on the news of his possible exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as reported in national dailies, has sparked a face-off among thousands of his loyalists and supporters across different quarters.

Mohammed, the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, is reportedly making a move to dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor has yet to deny or confirm the reports, but when our Correspondent visited the state’s seat of power on Tuesday, the PDP flag was seen flying.

Meanwhile, one of the key party men, who asked for anonymity, said there are strong indications within the party that Mohammed has defected. The source said that there is more pressure now than before.

“He told us that he won’t go to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and he was not ready to reconcile with the FTC Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the fragmented PDP. Definitely, His Excellency is going to the APC. He has not told us when he will announce his defection but I know it will be after Salah,” the source said.

Mohammed had on several occasions publicly stated that he would not be coerced into joining the APC, claiming the party has ruined the country’s economy. During his last visit to the President, Mohammed told the press that he did not discuss his defection with him.

Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, did not comment on the situation when contacted at the time of filing this report.

Additionally, a cabinet member also confirmed that “there is an ongoing discussion at the top. We are waiting for their conclusion. But as far as we are concerned, wherever the governor moves to, we are going with him. He is our political party.”

Supporters in the town expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s silence on the rumoured defection plan, while others believe the governor needs to plan and consult widely.

A member of PDP, Abubakar Kirfi, said, “His Excellency is not the first PDP governor to defect to APC. We just want him to address us. We need a direction. We have seen what has happened to our party at the centre and he has not addressed us.”

“Are we making a reconciliation move, or are we seeking alternative platforms? This is the time to decide on a direction, especially from our leader, Bala Mohammed,” he said.