In a dramatic turn of events, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has openly accused Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State of betraying the former members of the ‘G5 Governors’ ahead of the 2023 general elections. The accusation, which was made in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, has reignited tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and stirred public interest in the power dynamics surrounding the 2023 elections.
The ‘G5 Governors’ were a group of influential members of the PDP who, at the time, were outspoken in their opposition to the leadership of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the build-up to the 2023 elections. The group was made up of Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue), Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
While the ‘G5 Governors’ initially presented a united front, Wike’s recent accusations against Governor Bala Mohammed suggest that cracks were already present within the group, especially in the lead-up to the presidential election.
A Tale of Betrayal
According to Wike, the betrayal took place during a pivotal moment before the 2023 elections. He recounted a particular meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed in which the Bauchi governor reportedly expressed his concerns about Atiku’s leadership. Wike revealed that during this meeting, which took place while he was preparing to commission a lounge at an airport, Mohammed shared his fears about what would happen if Atiku Abubakar were to win the presidency. Wike said that Mohammed told him that “Atiku would kill him” if the PDP candidate became president.
In his recounting of events, Wike also said that during the conversation, Ibrahim Adoke, the former Attorney-General of the Federation, was present. According to Wike, Bala Mohammed made it clear that he was fearful for his political future under Atiku’s leadership and that they should support Bola Tinubu, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The G5 Governors’ Role in the 2023 Election
The G5 Governors were believed to have played a significant role in influencing the outcome of the 2023 presidential election. Their refusal to back Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s official candidate, led many to speculate that they were supporting the opposition, contributing to Bola Tinubu’s eventual victory. The defection of several PDP governors and influential figures within the party raised questions about the internal conflicts and divisions that plagued the PDP during the elections.
Wike’s disclosure suggests that, although the G5 Governors were united in their resistance to Atiku, not all members of the group were entirely committed to the cause. Wike specifically accused Bala Mohammed of using the G5 Governors for personal gain, as he allegedly sought to settle his issues with Atiku while pretending to support the group’s stance against the PDP leadership.
The events unfolded in a way that Wike describes as a betrayal. He explained that the G5 Governors, under his leadership, had organized a visit to Bala Mohammed in Bauchi as part of their campaign to resist Atiku’s influence. Wike stated that when they arrived in Bauchi, they found Mohammed to be welcoming and cooperative. However, the following day, a surprise move occurred when Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, a prominent ally of Atiku, led a delegation to visit Bala Mohammed. According to Wike, this visit signaled that Mohammed had abandoned the G5 Governors’ cause, effectively betraying the group.
Wike emphasized that this kind of behavior highlighted a lack of character, especially in someone holding a significant political position. “That’s why I always talk about character,” Wike remarked, suggesting that a person’s true nature is revealed in moments of political crisis.
The Fallout from the Betrayal
Wike’s public accusation against Bala Mohammed has sparked renewed discussions about the divisions within the PDP. The party, once seen as the dominant political force in Nigeria, has been struggling to maintain unity after the 2023 elections. Allegations of betrayal, coupled with internal power struggles, have left the party in disarray, with many questioning its future prospects in upcoming elections.
The G5 Governors, particularly Wike, have been vocal in their criticism of the party’s leadership, accusing the PDP of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary Nigerians. While some members of the PDP have attempted to mend the rift, Wike’s latest statements suggest that deep mistrust still exists within the party, especially regarding the handling of the 2023 elections.
The impact of the G5 Governors’ actions was evident during the elections when the group’s influence in their respective states led to a divided support base for Atiku. The PDP’s inability to unite its key members for the elections contributed to its weakened performance in several regions. While some analysts believe that the G5 Governors’ decision to withhold support from Atiku may have helped to split the vote, others argue that their actions were motivated by personal grievances rather than a clear political strategy.
Context and Background
Bala Mohammed’s role in the 2023 election is complex. While he was a prominent figure within the PDP, his support for Atiku Abubakar was not guaranteed from the start. It is well known that there were political disagreements between Mohammed and Atiku, particularly concerning the control of the party at both the state and national levels. Wike’s accusation highlights the tension that existed between the two leaders, with Mohammed allegedly using the G5 Governors to create political leverage for himself.
The formation of the G5 Governors was a reaction to the power struggle within the PDP. The group’s leaders were vocal in their opposition to the party’s leadership, particularly Atiku, accusing him of neglecting their states and failing to bring about meaningful change within the party. However, Wike’s revelation that Mohammed was playing both sides of the political fence paints a picture of betrayal that could further damage the already fragile relationships within the PDP.
Looking Ahead
As the PDP looks ahead to future elections, the party faces significant challenges in rebuilding trust and unity among its members. The internal conflicts exposed by the actions of the G5 Governors and the subsequent fallout from Wike’s accusations against Bala Mohammed will likely continue to influence the party’s political dynamics.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Bala Mohammed will respond to Wike’s claims, and if so, how the PDP will navigate the growing divisions within its ranks. One thing is clear: the 2023 elections have left deep scars on the party, and it may take years to heal these wounds.
As Nigerian politics continues to evolve, the legacy of the G5 Governors and their actions in the 2023 elections will likely remain a significant chapter in the nation’s political history.
