Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed speculation that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
Speaking after the closed-door meeting on Friday, Mohammed said the discussion centred on governance and security cooperation, not politics or party alignment.
He described reports linking his visit to a possible defection as unfounded, insisting that he remains committed to the PDP.
“I am a PDP man. I am not here for politics or defection. I am here for governance and partnership,” he said.
The governor explained that he briefed the president on the worsening security situation in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, where banditry has intensified due to ungoverned forest areas around the Daji Dam.
According to him, he had earlier visited affected communities alongside security officials, assessed the situation, and submitted a detailed report requesting urgent federal intervention.
Mohammed said the president responded positively and issued directives to support efforts aimed at addressing the crisis.
He also called for stronger interstate collaboration to tackle banditry, proposing a joint security summit involving Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe states.
Reiterating his support for the creation of state police, the governor said the initiative, though costly, would reduce pressure on federal security agencies and improve accountability at the state level.
“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 added.
