Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being surrounded by “hooligans and charlatans” who, according to him, are out to undermine his administration.
Governor Mohammed made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ programme. Speaking passionately, he said some people are trying to pressure him into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Bola Tinubu is surrounded by hooligans and charlatans who want to destroy me. Some want me to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC,” he said.
Governor Mohammed did not identify all the individuals he described as trying to harm his administration, but he singled out the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “big drag” on the federal government’s administration.
“The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, is a big drag on that administration, and the President should know. I have nothing against him. He wants to destroy me because he knows what happened. He is an undertaker in our party. You have to know the background. You know everything. He is neither here nor there,” he said.
Governor Mohammed also criticized what he called the “double standards” of some political actors, arguing that certain leaders act in ways that defy logic and fairness. He claimed that he witnessed Wike acting against his party’s interest at the party secretariat, adding, “You cannot be in two places at the same time. It’s against the rule of nature. You see, you cannot be a man and a woman at the same time. He is with them.”
The governor urged Nigerians to be honest when assessing political actions and decisions, noting that all political moves have consequences. “We are the leaders today, but we should not think that we are arrogant and we can do a lot of impunity, and nobody questions it,” he said.
Bala Mohammed, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been governor of Bauchi State since May 2019. Before his governorship, he served as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Bola Tinubu, who was inaugurated on May 29, 2023, leads the APC government. Since taking office, Tinubu’s administration has faced several political challenges, including criticism over the influence of advisers and party operatives. Governor Mohammed’s comments come amid growing tensions between PDP and APC leaders in various parts of the country.
The governor’s refusal to join the APC reflects a larger trend in Nigerian politics, where some state governors resist switching parties despite pressure from the ruling party. Party switching, known locally as “cross-carpeting,” has been a recurring feature of Nigerian politics, often linked to access to federal resources and political influence.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a former Governor of Rivers State and a prominent PDP figure. He has been known for his strong political influence and sometimes outspoken criticism of the APC. Governor Mohammed’s accusation that Wike is undermining his administration highlights internal tensions within the PDP and the federal government.
Although there has been no official response from President Tinubu or the APC regarding Governor Mohammed’s comments, political analysts suggest that such public accusations could deepen the divisions between the ruling party and opposition governors.
Some experts warn that attacks like these can increase political tension, especially in states with competing interests between federal and state governments. They also stress that such statements might influence voters’ perception of national leadership and party loyalty.
Governor Mohammed’s remarks also point to the delicate balance Nigerian politicians must maintain between local and national politics. Governors, while leading their states, often have to navigate pressures from the presidency, party leaders, and local constituencies. This balancing act sometimes results in public disagreements and accusations, as seen in the governor’s interview.
Nigeria’s political landscape is largely dominated by two major parties: the APC and the PDP. The APC currently holds power at the federal level, while the PDP governs several states across the country. This division often leads to political competition, especially when governors from opposition parties resist aligning with the federal government.
The issue of party allegiance and loyalty has been a recurring theme in Nigerian politics. Some governors switch parties to access federal support or strengthen their political base, while others, like Governor Mohammed, maintain their party affiliation despite external pressure.