The political dispute between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike continues to escalate, with Mohammed calling for Wike to formally resign from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and fully align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Mohammed, who serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, accused Wike of anti-party activities and alleged that the minister is already working to advance APC interests. He described Wike as a “transactional politician” whose actions are guided by personal ambitions and claimed that his attempts to damage the Bauchi governor’s reputation are futile, as Nigerians can see through the minister’s alleged facade.
In a heated response, Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, labeled Mohammed a “self-serving politician” and dismissed the accusations. Olayinka urged Mohammed to focus on his responsibilities as the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman rather than using Wike’s ministerial role as a scapegoat for his leadership shortcomings.
The conflict deepened when Mohammed, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, condemned Wike’s remarks as reckless and indicative of a diminishing political career. Mohammed accused Wike of a history of betrayal, citing instances involving Senator John Azuta Mbata, Dr. Peter Odili, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi as examples of Wike’s disloyalty.
The statement further criticized Wike’s role in creating crises within the PDP, alleging that he orchestrated the downfall of party leaders, including Uche Secondus and Iyorchia Ayu. Mohammed asserted that the PDP remains united under his leadership and is actively working to restore the party’s strength despite Wike’s perceived attempts to weaken it for the benefit of the APC.
In his statement, Mohammed said:
“Wike’s antics cannot detract from Bala Mohammed’s record. His outburst is the desperate cry of a man whose political relevance is fading. Let Wike reflect on his conduct and do the honourable thing: resign and align fully with the APC he so eagerly serves.”
The PDP, under Mohammed’s leadership, vowed to cleanse the party of Wike’s alleged treachery and work toward retiring the APC in the 2027 elections, portraying Wike as a tool for APC’s re-election agenda. The unfolding drama underscores the deepening divisions within the PDP and sets the stage for a prolonged political confrontation between the two leaders.