The ongoing war of words between Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike shows no signs of resolution. As prominent figures in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both leaders continue to express their grievances against one another in public forums.
Governor Mohammed struck back, asserting that the only legacy Wike will leave behind is that of a political mercenary—one who squandered valuable opportunities and betrayed his allies.
On Friday, Wike urged Governor Mohammed to stop using his appointment as a minister by Tinubu as a justification for his inability to effectively lead as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.
The Governor of Bauchi State stated that while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister may attract headlines, his remarks lack depth. He accused Wike of betraying the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and engaging in divisive politics, suggesting that Wike is motivated more by personal ambition than by a genuine commitment to public service.
Mohammed issued this statement in reaction to a recent media conversation held by the minister, during which he referenced the governor of Bauchi State, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. The statement issued by the governor’s Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, reads as follows: “Senator Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has taken note of the recent erratic and hyperbolic media remarks made by Chief Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In his usual fashion, Chief Wike delivered yet another familiar outburst, characterized by contradictions, theatrical posturing, and a baffling display of loyalty that appears to change with the circumstances. While Wike’s incoherence often makes it difficult to discern any substantive points, Sen. Bala Mohammed finds it necessary to respond to a few specific remarks that distort facts and aim to undermine the PDP – the very platform that gave Wike his political rise”.
“A transactional politician who bites the hand that feeds him. Chief Wike’s ascendancy in politics is a testament to the opportunities provided by the PDP. Yet, he now gleefully undermines the very foundation that nurtured him. It is disheartening that a man who owes so much to a party that stood by him in his political journey has chosen to be a willing tool in its denigration. His recent media outburst was yet another reminder of his transactional approach to politics, where personal ambition eclipses loyalty, principles, and collective interests.
In contrast to Wike, who revels in drama and division, Senator Bala Mohammed recognizes that politics should not be a spectacle for personal gain, but a genuine platform dedicated to serving the public good. Wike’s unpredictable actions and opportunistic alliances reveal him to be an unreliable and fair-weather ally—characteristics that ultimately alienate even those who once supported him.
Regarding friendship and governance, the governor of Bauchi State stated, “Chief Wike’s claim that he does not share a friendship with Senator Bala Mohammed is both irrelevant and juvenile. Effective governance is founded not on personal relationships, but on competence, vision, and the capability to achieve meaningful results.”
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Senator Bala Mohammed’s accomplishments in Bauchi State are noteworthy and speak volumes. Under his leadership, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as a significant force in opposition to the excesses of the APC-led federal government. Meanwhile, Wike appears to be playing a dual role—aligning himself with the PDP during the day and the APC at night.
However, Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said it was ironic that a known fairweather politician in the mould of Bala Mohammed was the one calling someone else ‘a transactional politician’.
Olayinka recalled to Mohammed how he abandoned his political mentor, the former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, in 2007. At that time, Mohammed was a member of the now-defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). Furthermore, he also deserted former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2010 in pursuit of a ministerial position within the PDP government of President Goodluck Jonathan.
He questioned how Wike’s role as a minister in the Tinubu administration could be blamed for Mohammed’s failure as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Simultaneously, he found it perplexing that Mohammed was pursuing the PDP ticket to run for president in 2027, despite knowing that the presidency is expected to remain in the South until 2031.
“Our attention has been drawn to the ‘say nothing’ press statement that took six days to write, issued by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, and we can’t but sympathise with a man who, out of political greed, has chosen to plunge himself into the deepest part of the river despite not knowing how to swim.
“First, Governor Bala Mohammed is holding the position of Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum out of political greed, because by convention and practice, the position should be held by one of the PDP Governors in the South. Reason being that the immediate past Chairman of the Forum was from the North, same as the PDP National Chairman.
“Secondly, despite usurping the position of the PDP Governors Forum because of his rapacious nature, Bala Mohammed has demonstrated lack of capacity to lead the PDP, reason the party is how it is today.
“Sadly, rather than taking responsibilities of leadership and acting same, Bala Mohammad opted to divide the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), relating with a faction while neglecting the other.
“For his ineptitude and lack of capacity to lead, Bala Mohammed, has been blaming Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister,” Wike’s aide said.
Wike also questioned whether it was necessary to remind Mohammed that, as a dedicated member of the PDP, he is currently serving in the APC government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This scenario is not unprecedented in the history of politics and governance in Nigeria.
He stated, “From 2003 to 2009, three political parties were active: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All People’s Party (APP), and the Alliance for Democracy (AD). While the PDP secured the presidency, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed individuals from both the APP and AD to positions within his administration.”
Interestingly, Bala Mohammed, who was appointed Minister in 2010 while still a member of the now-defunct ANPP, showcased his opportunistic political behavior by defecting to the PDP just months after taking office. This move exemplified his tendency to engage in politics solely for personal gain, often shifting allegiances based on convenience.
“Despite this, should we consider whether Wike’s role as a minister has caused Bala Mohammed to struggle in fulfilling his duties as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, a position he assumed? Would Bala Mohammed have demonstrated the capacity he clearly lacks if Wike were not part of Tinubu’s government?”
“Bala Mohammed’s incompetence prevented the PDP from campaigning in Bauchi in 2015, despite his position as the serving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This troubling chapter is one that no reputable politician would wish to be associated with.”
