The governor made his position clear on Wednesday while speaking at the Government House in Bauchi shortly after signing the 2026 state budget into law.
He used the opportunity to speak on national political developments and the growing tension between the Federal Government and opposition leaders.
According to Governor Mohammed, political parties are joined by personal conviction, not intimidation or force.
He warned that any attempt to compel opposition figures to cross over to the ruling party could seriously harm Nigeria’s democracy.
“The people are suffering. What Nigerians want is food on the table, affordable living, and hope for a better future—not political pressure and intimidation,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to weaken opposition parties.
He alleged that anti-corruption agencies were being deployed to harass and threaten politicians who refuse to align with the APC.
He claimed that such pressure tactics were not limited to him alone, stating that members of his family and officials within his administration had also been subjected to what he described as politically motivated investigations.
According to him, these actions are meant to silence critics and instill fear among opposition voices. He warned that if such practices continue, they could erode democratic freedoms and undermine the rule of law.
The Bauchi governor also raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He claimed that such pressure tactics were not limited to him alone, stating that members of his family and officials within his administration had also been subjected to what he described as politically motivated investigations.
According to him, these actions are meant to silence critics and instill fear among opposition voices. He warned that if such practices continue, they could erode democratic freedoms and undermine the rule of law.
The Bauchi governor also raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that efforts were being made to compromise the neutrality of the electoral body ahead of future elections.
Mohammed stressed that INEC must remain independent and operate strictly within the boundaries of the law. He said public trust in elections depends on fairness, transparency, and neutrality from the commission.
“INEC belongs to all Nigerians, not to any political party. Once the people lose confidence in elections, democracy itself is at risk,” he said.
Despite the alleged pressure, the governor insisted that he would not abandon his political beliefs or principles.
Mohammed stressed that INEC must remain independent and operate strictly within the boundaries of the law. He said public trust in elections depends on fairness, transparency, and neutrality from the commission.
“INEC belongs to all Nigerians, not to any political party. Once the people lose confidence in elections, democracy itself is at risk,” he said.
Despite the alleged pressure, the governor insisted that he would not abandon his political beliefs or principles.
He maintained that rumours, intimidation, or propaganda would not force him into the APC or any other party against his will.
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of Nigerians, stating that his priority remains the development and progress of Bauchi State.
“I will continue to stand by my beliefs and serve the people who elected me. No amount of pressure will make me compromise my principles,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over increased political tension in the country, as several opposition figures have recently accused the Federal Government of targeting them for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of Nigerians, stating that his priority remains the development and progress of Bauchi State.
“I will continue to stand by my beliefs and serve the people who elected me. No amount of pressure will make me compromise my principles,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over increased political tension in the country, as several opposition figures have recently accused the Federal Government of targeting them for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
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