The political tussle between two prominent figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has escalated into a war of words, with accusations of betrayal and disloyalty dominating the discourse.
Governor Mohammed, who doubles as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently called on Wike to resign from the party, labeling him a “serial betrayer” and a divisive force threatening the party’s survival.
In a scathing press release issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Mohammed criticized Wike for aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accused him of undermining the PDP’s unity.
“A Willing Tool of the APC”
Gidado stated that Wike, who once derided the APC as a party afflicted with “Stage 4 cancer,” has now become its “favoured foot soldier.” He added that Wike’s actions reveal a pattern of betrayal stretching back years.
“Chief Wike’s recent statement marks a new low for a man prone to unbridled excesses. This isn’t just about him; it’s about Nigerians who deserve the truth,” said Gidado.
Wike’s alleged history of betrayal, according to Gidado, includes turning against those who helped his political career. He listed Senator John Mbata, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Dr. Peter Odili as notable victims of Wike’s political treachery.
“Wike has perfected the art of using and discarding people. He has repeatedly insulted and undermined those who supported his rise, including Senator Mbata and the Odilis,” Gidado alleged.
Leadership Crisis or Personal Vendetta?
The fallout between Mohammed and Wike is not new. The latest exchange marks the second time in two weeks that both politicians have publicly criticized each other. Mohammed’s team maintains that Wike’s alleged divisive tactics have polarized the PDP, leaving the party vulnerable to external threats.
“Wike is attempting to destabilize the PDP to serve his new masters in the APC,” Gidado claimed, describing the minister as a “transactional politician” driven by self-interest rather than party loyalty.
However, Wike’s camp has pushed back strongly against these allegations. His spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, accused Governor Mohammed of using Wike as a scapegoat for his leadership failures within the PDP.
“Governor Mohammed’s poor leadership is the root cause of the PDP’s problems. He should stop shifting blame and take responsibility,” said Olayinka.
A History of Political Betrayals?
Gidado’s statement also delved into Wike’s alleged betrayals of key PDP figures, including past National Chairmen. He accused Wike of engineering the downfall of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Chief Uche Secondus, and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, all of whom he had supported before turning against them.
“Wike’s pattern is clear: he uses people to achieve his aims and discards them when they are no longer useful. This is the greatest threat to the PDP’s survival,” Gidado said.
He further claimed that Wike’s actions have created unnecessary divisions within the party and warned that his behavior could have long-term consequences for the PDP’s electoral prospects in 2027.
Who’s the Better Leader?
The conflict has also sparked comparisons between the two politicians’ leadership records. Gidado hailed Mohammed as a courageous leader who has consistently demonstrated loyalty to his party and the nation.
“Senator Bala Mohammed is a hard target, a warrior who has faced down petty tyrants and bullies with towering moral force and ethical authority,” he said.
Highlighting Mohammed’s achievements, Gidado pointed to his role in the 2010 Doctrine of Necessity, which helped avert a constitutional crisis and allowed then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume the presidency.
In contrast, he described Wike’s tenure as Minister of the FCT as marked by “loud demolitions and revocations,” accusing him of prioritizing theatrics over governance.
The 2027 Presidency Factor
At the heart of the dispute appears to be speculation about the 2027 presidential election. Mohammed’s camp has accused Wike of pursuing a self-serving political agenda aimed at positioning himself for the presidency.
“Wike is delusional if he thinks his divisive tactics will earn him the presidency in 2027,” Gidado said.