A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has explained why Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has not joined the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Galadima spoke during the inauguration of the NDC’s reconciliation committee, where he claimed that Mohammed was advised against defecting to a party with a strong presidential candidate.

According to him, the Bauchi governor had initially indicated plans to join the NDC but changed his mind after receiving political advice.

“President Tinubu has 34 and a half governors. The only governor that is not with him is Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Alex Otti of Abia State is there. Forget about that,” Galadima said.

He explained that discussions with Mohammed continued until about 3am, with the governor reportedly expected to defect to the NDC the following day.

However, Galadima said Mohammed later informed them that he had reconsidered his decision after being advised not to join a political party with a strong presidential candidate.

“Bala Mohammed is on the fence. He may work with us, or he may work with President Tinubu,” he added.

Galadima’s comments come amid ongoing political realignments and negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties seeking to attract influential political figures and expand their support base across the country.

National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, Bashir Ahmad, has denied claims that he secured only 16 votes during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in 2022.

The controversy resurfaced on Thursday after Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, mocked Ahmad in a post on X, claiming that the APC chieftain scored 16 votes during the primary.

Responding on Friday, Ahmad rejected the claim, insisting that no credible primary election was conducted and alleging that the process was manipulated.

“I feel it is important to say this unequivocally that it is simply not true that I got 16 votes,” Ahmad said.

According to him, the primary was not conducted transparently and there is evidence, including videos and other materials, to support his allegation that the process was rigged.

“If there had been, I am very confident I would have been the winner,” he added.

Ahmad urged Davido, his supporters and others circulating the 16-vote claim to stop presenting the figure as a reflection of a legitimate primary election.

He maintained that the results being circulated from the exercise were misleading because, in his view, the process lacked transparency and credibility.

“The full story will be told at the appropriate time,” the former presidential media aide said.

National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has held a strategic meeting with the party’s chairmen from the North-West zone as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Dickson described the meeting as “very fruitful” in a post on his verified X handle, saying discussions focused on strengthening the party’s campaign strategy and securing victory for its candidates in the upcoming elections.

The former Bayelsa State governor urged NDC members, supporters and stakeholders to work collectively in the interest of the party and ensure success at the polls.

“It was a pleasure to host a strategic meeting of the national leadership of our party with the State chairmen of the North-West Zone, a very critical region in the politics of our country,” Dickson wrote.

He commended party leaders in the zone, led by the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for their commitment and readiness to support the party’s campaign efforts.

“The discussions were fruitful, and we remain confident that victory is achievable,” he added.

The meeting comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The NDC is fielding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso serving as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.