Bauchi State Governor and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately targeting PDP governors with acts of intimidation and political pressure.

Speaking on Tuesday at the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Mohammed said governors elected on the party’s platform are facing unprecedented challenges under the current federal government but remain unwavering in their commitment.

“This administration is unlike any other we’ve experienced. There are numerous traps, veiled threats, and political manoeuvres aimed at destabilising us,” he said. “We are being bombarded by defection pressures and calls for coalitions, yet our members remain strong and resolute.”

The Bauchi governor acknowledged the wave of defections affecting the PDP but expressed confidence that those who have left will return, noting it wouldn’t be the first time such realignments occur in Nigerian politics.

“We believe those who left will come back. It has happened before, and it will happen again,” he said. “Despite the crises, we remain the most cohesive political party. Others have been infiltrated and fractured — some even lack unity in their national assemblies and governorship ranks.”

Mohammed emphasised the unity among PDP governors and their collective resolve to withstand marginalisation and exclusion by the federal government.

“We will not abandon the mandate given to us. The governors are united, ready to work, and willing to endure all forms of political intimidation or exclusion,” he said. “This NEC meeting, though delayed, is a triumph of democracy and commitment to good governance in the face of adversity.”

He, however, did not provide specific examples of the alleged intimidation. His remarks come amid signs of growing instability within the PDP. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has also hinted at leaving the party. In March, President Tinubu suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency in the state.

Also addressing the NEC meeting, Abba Moro (senator representing Benue South) reiterated support for the party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, and Board of Trustees (BoT), in efforts to reposition the party.

He acknowledged the string of high-profile defections to the APC but insisted the PDP remains a formidable force.

“Despite these temporary setbacks, PDP remains the biggest political brand. We are still the alternative Nigeria needs — a party capable of offering a new level of leadership,” Moro said.