In a dramatic turn of events, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has unleashed a barrage of accusations against Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, describing him as a serial betrayer and an ingrate who owes his political survival to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Dogara’s scathing remarks were made public in a lengthy statement that paints a vivid picture of Wike’s alleged financial and logistical support for Mohammed during his 2018 governorship campaign.
“Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent outbursts against Nyesom Wike, despite the pivotal role Wike played in his political ascension, are nothing short of betrayal and ingratitude,” Dogara said.
Wike’s Intervention in PDP Primaries
Dogara began by recounting how Mohammed was struggling to secure the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Bauchi gubernatorial race in 2018. According to Dogara, Wike stepped in when Mohammed faced a stiff challenge from Senator Abdul Ningi, who controlled the state party structure.
“I reached out to Wike for help because Bala Mohammed couldn’t stand a chance against Senator Abdul Ningi’s influence,” Dogara stated.
He disclosed that Wike orchestrated Mohammed’s emergence by appointing his ally, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, as the chairman of the PDP primary election panel. Wike reportedly went as far as providing a private jet to fly Chief Orbih to Bauchi to oversee the primary election.
“Wike bore all the expenses for the exercise, and yet, he never placed any conditions for his support,” Dogara revealed.
Campaign Funding Crisis
Dogara further detailed Mohammed’s financial challenges after securing the PDP ticket, saying the governor lacked the resources to fund his campaign. He recounted a failed fundraiser organized at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, which yielded only ₦48 million after spending ₦20 million on logistics.
“When it became evident that Bala Mohammed didn’t have the funds to run his campaign, I suggested we approach Wike for assistance,” Dogara narrated.
Accompanied by two serving senators, Dogara and Mohammed traveled to Port Harcourt to meet Wike. However, the encounter was fraught with tension, as Wike confronted Mohammed over past grievances.
“Wike reminded Bala of how, as FCT Minister, he had refused to allocate him a plot of land and humiliated him by making him wait for hours during a visit to his office,” Dogara said.
Despite these grievances, Wike allegedly forgave Mohammed and provided significant financial and logistical support.
‘Bala Mohammed Knelt to Collect Money’
According to Dogara, Wike handed over cash assistance directly to Mohammed in the presence of witnesses.
“Bala Mohammed knelt before Wike to receive the assistance, almost kissing the ground in gratitude,” Dogara recounted.
He added that Wike provided a private jet to fly the delegation back to Abuja, emphasizing that this was not the only instance where Wike extended financial support to Mohammed.
‘A Serial Betrayer’
Dogara did not mince words in his assessment of Bala Mohammed’s character, accusing him of being morally bankrupt and incapable of appreciating those who helped him.
“For those of us who know Bala Mohammed too well, there’s no debate about his contempt for truth and his tendency to betray those who stand by him,” Dogara said.
He described Mohammed as a “psychopath” who prioritizes personal ambition over loyalty and integrity.
Background and Context
The fallout between Wike and Mohammed comes amidst heightened tensions within the PDP, as party leaders grapple with internal divisions. Wike, known for his fiery personality and influence, has often been at the center of controversies within the party.
Bala Mohammed, on the other hand, has faced criticism for his handling of political alliances and his alleged inability to maintain loyalty.
Dogara’s revelations have added a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing rift, with many political observers speculating about the implications for the PDP’s future.