PDP loses another member to APM in Bauchi

The Peoples Democratic Party faced another blow on Wednesday in the House of Representatives. Mr Aliyu Misau, who represents the Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, officially joined the Allied Peoples Movement.

Misau’s move comes just days after four other members of the Bauchi caucus in the House left the PDP for the APM. This has raised worries about the PDP’s declining influence in the state.

He shared his decision in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, which was read out during the session on Wednesday.

In his letter, Misau pointed to the ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP as his reason for leaving the party.

"I would like to thank the PDP for the opportunity given to me to serve the good people of Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency. The leadership crisis in the PDP has made it impossible for me to continue to represent my people and contribute to the development of the constituency," he wrote.

Many see his defection as part of a political shift following the recent departure of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed from the PDP to the APM. Since the governor's exit, several political figures and loyal supporters in the state have also joined the APM or indicated plans to do so.

Political analysts had predicted that lawmakers close to the governor would likely make similar moves. This is due to his strong influence in the state’s politics and the worries about the PDP’s stability.

This latest change further weakens the PDP’s number of representatives in the House. It also highlights the challenges the party faces as it deals with internal divisions and a wave of defections across various states.

For months, the PDP has been caught up in leadership disputes at both national and state levels. Disagreements over the party’s direction, who controls its structures, and plans for future elections have created tension among important members.

The ongoing crisis has already led to several officials and notable members leaving the party. This raises doubts about the PDP's ability to stay united before upcoming elections.

With Misau’s exit, the APM is gaining more ground in Bauchi State. They are benefiting from the arrival of important political figures and elected representatives from the PDP.