Politics
I Am Not A Coward, I Will Not Join APC: Bala Mohammed’s Defiant Stand Against Political Persecution and the Weaponisation of State Power in Nigeria
I Am Not A Coward, I Will Not Join APC: Bala Mohammed’s Defiant Stand Against Political Persecution and the Weaponisation of State Power in Nigeria.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Governor Bala Mohammed Rejects Coercion, Affirms Loyalty to PDP and Exposes Dangerous Trends Undermining Democratic Pluralism in Nigeria.”
In a political environment increasingly defined by coercion, defections and the alarming weaponisation of state institutions, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has issued a defiant and historic statement that resonates far beyond his state borders: “ _I’m not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party_.” This declaration, made on January 2, 2026, is not just a personal pledge of political fidelity, but it is a clarion call for democratic integrity and resistance to authoritarian drift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Bala Mohammed, a seasoned politician with decades of public service as a senator, former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and three-term Governor of Bauchi State committed under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke with unwavering confidence as he received an award as Safety Ambassador from the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria. His remarks came against the backdrop of allegations that federal agencies, most notably the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have launched investigations and court actions he alleges are politically motivated and designed to intimidate him into abandoning his party.
An Unapologetic Stand Against Political Intimidation. Governor Mohammed’s posture is rooted in both principle and history. Having navigated multiple national positions (most notably as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2010 to 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan) Bala Mohammed is no stranger to the ebb and flow of Nigerian politics. Despite this experience, what he faces today is a distinct and troubling pattern: opposition leaders being singled out by powerful federal agencies in ways that blur the lines between legitimate law enforcement and political vendetta.
In his address in Bauchi, he pointed out that even with constitutional immunity as a sitting governor, his name (and that of his commissioner) was referenced in court matters with serious charges including terrorism financing, conspiracy and money laundering. He described these actions as part of an effort to criminalise him and coerce him into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This, he warned, is beyond mere political rivalry. It represents the weaponisation of state institutions, transforming bodies designed to uphold justice into instruments of political suppression. “The APC-led federal government thinks they can use the courts and institutions of government to persecute Nigerians who are not within their own party,” he said.
Why This Matters: Democratic Principles at Stake. At the heart of Governor Mohammed’s stance is a fundamental democratic principle: a politician should not be forced to change party allegiance under duress. In a healthy democracy, political competition should be decided in the marketplace of ideas and votes not through judicial pressure or law enforcement harassment.
Political scholar Robert Dahl once observed that “Democracy requires not only free and fair elections but also the freedom for opposition to campaign without fear of reprisal.” If this principle erodes, the very essence of pluralism is jeopardised. Bala Mohammed’s words underscore the urgency of this truth in Nigeria’s context.
Moreover, political analyst Professor Claude Ake of Nigerian political thought emphasised that “Democracy is not merely electoral competition; it is about the rules (and respect for those rules) that allow such competition.” When state institutions appear to serve one party’s ends, the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democratic order is tested. Bala Mohammed’s charge challenges Nigerians to ask whether their political institutions serve citizens equally or whether they have become tools for partisan advantage.
Allegations of Federal Abdication of Responsibility. Governor Mohammed did not limit himself to critiquing political pressure tactics. He also lambasted what he described as a failure of the federal government to deliver tangible development to Bauchi State, despite commanding a significant share of national resources. “In my state, they have not provided one kilometre of road. They have not provided water. Even security agencies (I am the one paying them to work for us) and they have the guts to talk,” he lamented.
This accusation strikes at two core issues plaguing Nigeria’s federal system: resource control imbalances and the insufficient delivery of basic infrastructure and security. Many governors, especially in opposition states, have long argued that federal allocation disparities weaken subnational governments and create dependency that can be exploited politically.
The governor further criticised the current tax regime, warning that policies implemented without adequate consideration of grassroots realities risk deepening poverty rather than alleviating it. This echoes concerns of economists like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who have warned that fiscal policies must be balanced with economic growth and citizens’ welfare to avoid crippling the productive capacities of subnational units.
Resistance, Not Retreat. Perhaps the most compelling dimension of Governor Mohammed’s speech was his rejection of silence in the face of what he describes as political intimidation. He affirmed that peace and security do not require submission to coercion. “IF THEY WANT WAR, WE WILL GIVE THEM WAR. IF THEY WANT PEACE, WE WILL GIVE THEM PEACE,” he declared an underscoring and a commitment to resist victimisation while upholding order.
This posture (resolute yet rooted in democratic engagement) is reminiscent of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to “stand up for justice, even if it means standing alone.” Bala Mohammed’s insistence on accountability, transparency and continued cooperation with the federal government for national development separates principled opposition from antagonistic defiance.
The Broader Political Context. Governor Mohammed’s remarks arrive amid a broader wave of political defection in Nigeria. In 2025, several governors and political figures left the PDP for the APC, driven by various motives and some ideological, others pragmatic. Yet Bala Mohammed has firmly resisted such trends. Two months before his recent stand, he reassured party faithful that he was not defecting and remained committed to the PDP’s vision, even as other governors departed.
His position also underscores a larger debate within Nigeria’s opposition ranks: how to rebuild a viable political alternative capable of challenging the APC’s dominance and presenting credible governance propositions for the 2027 general elections. As he declared earlier in 2025, defections would not sink the PDP and the party could reclaim political space with strategic leadership and grassroots engagement.
Final Take: A Defining Moment for Nigerian Democracy. Governor Bala Mohammed’s statement (“I AM NOT A COWARD. I WILL NOT JOIN APC”) is far more than a personal declaration. It is a reaffirmation of democratic choice, political courage and resistance to the misuse of power. In a climate where political coercion can easily be mischaracterised as loyalty shifts, his defiance becomes an emblem of democratic resilience.
For Nigeria to deepen its democratic culture, leaders across the spectrum must respect institutional neutrality and allow political competition to be resolved through public engagement, policy debates, and the will of the electorate, not through intimidation or judicial warfare.
As political theorist Samuel P. Huntington once remarked, “The essence of democracy is competition between alternatives.” Bala Mohammed’s bold stance exemplifies this essence and challenges all Nigerians (politicians and citizens alike) to hold fast to the ideals of free political choice, accountability and constitutional governance.
Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustinable Development
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat.
Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the Community Protection Guards, alongside the reconstruction of the Safe School in Anka, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure.
During the commissioning event, Governor Lawal highlighted that these projects are a fulfillment of commitments made during his campaign, aimed at transforming the local landscape by improving infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, bolstering public service efficiency, and enhancing the capacities of security agencies. He called for a collective effort from the community to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities, underscoring the shared responsibility in preserving public assets.
Governor Lawal shared that similar projects have also been inaugurated in Tsafe, with plans for upcoming projects in Kaura Namoda, Moriki, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi, all expected to be completed and inaugurated by the year’s end. This ambitious timeline reflects the administration’s urgency in addressing the development needs of various regions within the state.
In his remarks, the governor urged residents and local traditional institutions to collaborate closely in maintaining the newly commissioned structures and supporting the overarching objectives of his administration. “I stand here in Anka today to honor our commitments to the people of Anka Local Government and all of Zamfara State. The official opening of the new palace for the ‘Sarkin Zamfaran Anka’ and the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs is a significant milestone that wraps up today’s agenda,” he stated.
Governor Lawal emphasized the strategic importance of the Anka–Abbare Road, describing it as a critical artery that will not only enhance access to remote areas but also stimulate economic activities and generate multiplier effects throughout the local economy. He articulated the necessity of providing a conducive work environment for civil servants, affirming that the new local government secretariat and dedicated offices will significantly contribute to strengthening law and order within the state.
“Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. Our focused initiatives are oriented towards fostering a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students. I am also proud to announce the completion and commissioning of the reconstructed SAFE School Anka today,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education.
The governor further noted that the commissioning of the Emir’s Palace serves to restore the historical prominence of traditional institutions, which he regards as pivotal custodians of the region’s culture and heritage. He underlined the administration’s awareness of the invaluable role that these institutions play in fostering the state’s growth and emphasized the necessity of aligning development projects with cultural values.
In conclusion, the governor mentioned that after the successful commissioning in Anka and Tsafe, future projects in Kaura Namoda and Moriki will follow suit, while those in Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi remain on track for completion and official commissioning before the year concludes.
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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has extended its warm congratulations to His Excellency, Mallam Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, following his recent appointment as a Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This felicitation was formally conveyed in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and disseminated to the press.
The statement highlighted that the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI, His Excellency General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received the news of the appointment with great pride but without surprise. According to the statement, General Musa expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s proven capability and salient leadership qualities, affirming that the Governor is eminently equipped to deliver on every task entrusted to him.
The Grand Patron further extended profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognising and finding Governor Uba Sani worthy of this critical national assignment. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, was made by the President in his capacity as the leader of the APC, citing the Governor’s exceptional organisational abilities and strategic acumen.
In his new role, Governor Sani is tasked with working in close collaboration with the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the party hierarchy, including the National Chairman of the APC. His primary mandate is to ensure harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across all levels of the party’s mobilization and engagement architecture, a vital function for advancing the political agenda.
Demonstrating its commitment to national service and effective governance, the GCGMSI, under the direct directive of its Grand Patron, General Musa, has officially mobilised its formidable structure. The Initiative has pledged the full deployment of its extensive network, seasoned personnel, and robust operational framework to assist and support Governor Uba Sani in the successful execution of his new responsibilities.
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative, renowned for its disciplined organisation, widespread grassroots penetration, and capacity for large-scale civic mobilisation, stands ready as a pivotal force. This move underscores the GCGMSI’s pivotal role as a key support system for national development initiatives and its unwavering dedication to fostering unity and progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Says PDP Will Retain Power
…..Tasks PMS To Remain United, Peaceful
A leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged the people of Oyo State to remain steadfast, saying they will continue to enjoy good governance because the PDP will produce the next governor in the 2027 general elections.
Ajadi, who made this known while addressing transport unions under the Park Management System (PMS) at their headquarters, New Garage, Ibadan, on Tuesday, urged the park managers to remain united and maintain the love and peace currently prevalent among them.
According to him, “My advice to the Park Managers and the commercial drivers in Oyo State is that they should continue the love and peaceful attitudes. They should remain united. They should not ‘scattelegs’.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you, remain steadfast. Let me assure you that our party, the PDP, will produce the next governor come 2027,” Ajadi said.
He said he came to the PMS headquarters to meet with transporters and park managers to inform them of his aspiration to serve the people of Oyo State as governor come 2027.
“Today I joined my people, the park managers in Oyo State, to familiarize myself with them and inform them of my intention to serve the people of Oyo State as the next governor by the Grace of God.”
On the plans for the transporters, Ajadi said he first wants to change the look of the City Cabs, which will be done in collaboration with the Park Management System.
He also plans to increase the number of Mass Transit buses and make them available in all locations of the State.
He said the Mass Transit buses will operate in partnership with the Park Managers.
Ajadi, who commended Governor Makinde on the newly established bus terminals in the State, said his government will ensure adequate usage of the facilities.age of the facilities.
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