Bauchi — Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State, Samaila Burga, has dismissed fears of the party’s collapse amid leadership tussles and high-profile defections, saying the PDP remains the only truly national political platform in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview, Burga, a pharmacist-turned-politician, blamed the recent defections — especially in Delta State — on selfish interests and fear of political intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than ideological differences.
“People are not looking at Nigeria’s future. They are only looking at personal gain. If I can’t get what I want in this party, I move to another,” he said.
He pointed out that many key figures in the APC, including former President Muhammadu Buhari’s loyalists, originally belonged to the PDP before joining the merger that formed the ruling party.
Reacting to the alleged defection of former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his claim of regretting running with Atiku Abubakar in 2023, Burga described the move as self-serving.
“Okowa is just looking for cover. Now that he’s under pressure, he’s moving to protect himself. But not all his people are following him — we are already building a new structure in Delta,” he said.
Burga was critical of Atiku Abubakar’s repeated exits from the PDP, saying the former vice president has always pursued personal ambitions.
“Atiku left in 2014 with seven governors to support Buhari. He came back and got our ticket twice — in 2019 and 2023 — and still lost. Now he’s exploring another merger,” Burga said, adding that Atiku’s moves are not in the interest of the North or the party.
He urged the PDP to begin considering new presidential hopefuls, suggesting that Atiku has had enough chances.
Burga acknowledged ongoing political realignments across the country, citing events in Kano where NNPP members defected to the APC.
“We have 20 months to prepare. You will see new alignments and realignments. APC is also in crisis — they are asking Ganduje to step down, and talking about Al-Makura as replacement. Are we the only ones with issues?” he said.
Amid speculation about Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed planning to join the APC, Burga denied any knowledge of such plans and vouched for the governor’s commitment to opposition politics.
“I’m not aware of that, and I don’t think he will defect. We need strong opposition to keep democracy alive, and Bala is capable of leading that charge,” he said.
On internal zoning concerns in Bauchi State, Burga said the PDP is open to candidates from all regions but emphasized the need for a candidate with electoral strength.
“Bauchi South has been in power since 1999. In 2015, we gave it to Bauchi North through a fair primary, but we lost. The people will decide again, not the party alone,” he noted.
Despite challenges, Burga said the party is focused on rebuilding and remains confident ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are not deterred. Everything that has a beginning must have an end — even those who left. PDP will survive.”
