Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State recently held a series of closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. These discussions primarily focused on critical governance matters, particularly the escalating security challenges within Bauchi State and broader issues of national interest.

A central topic of the meetings was the deteriorating security situation in parts of Bauchi State, notably the Alkaleri local government area. Governor Mohammed extensively briefed President Tinubu on the disturbing activities of bandits, which have intensified due to ungoverned forest spaces, particularly around the Daji Dam. He detailed his personal visits to affected communities alongside security chiefs to assess the crisis firsthand. The governor presented a comprehensive report to the President, specifically seeking urgent federal intervention and support to curb the menace. President Tinubu reportedly responded positively, issuing immediate directives and assuring federal assistance to address the security concerns.

Beyond immediate security measures, Governor Mohammed also advocated for broader strategies, including a joint security summit involving Bauchi and contiguous states such as Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe. This initiative aims to strengthen inter-state collaboration against banditry and other criminal elements operating across shared forest belts. He emphasized that Bauchi, which has enjoyed relative peace for two decades, cannot afford a prolonged security setback, especially given renewed investor interest in mining and emerging oil and gas prospects within the state. Furthermore, the governor reiterated his long-standing support for the establishment of state police, stating that Bauchi is prepared to embrace the initiative once constitutional processes are concluded. He argued that state police would significantly reduce the burden on federal forces and enhance accountability among governors, despite the associated costs.

The meetings also garnered significant political attention, particularly as they occurred shortly after Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This defection left Governor Mohammed as the sole PDP governor in the entire North East region, leading to widespread speculation about his political alignment. However, Governor Mohammed emphatically dismissed any suggestions of defection or political realignment, firmly asserting his commitment to the PDP. "I am a PDP man. I am not here for politics or defection. I am here for governance and partnership," he stated, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the Federal Government in the national interest, especially on security.

Addressing the press, Governor Mohammed spoke confidently about the PDP's resilience and standing, even amidst the wave of defections. He acknowledged that individuals have the freedom to move to any party of their choice but maintained his decision to remain in the opposition. He highlighted the PDP's recent performance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections, where it secured one council chairmanship seat and approximately sixteen councilors, as evidence of the party's strength. He contrasted this with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which houses a coalition of opposition leaders, failing to secure any council seat in the same elections. Governor Mohammed proudly asserted that the PDP remains bigger than other opposition parties and has a brand that has survived over two decades, enduring litigations and leadership crises.