In a bold and pointed interview, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has blamed President Bola Tinubu and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for fuelling divisions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition groups in Nigeria.
Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed concerns about growing internal divisions in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust.
He accused the ruling party of sowing discord in a bid to weaken the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections, with the ultimate goal of establishing a one-party state.
Mohammed explained that these efforts are not limited to the PDP but extend to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Labour Party (LP), claiming that the federal government is targeting these opposition parties to eliminate any competition.
“Tinubu is backing Wike,” Mohammed declared. “Wike remains in the PDP but aligns with the APC. It’s an unusual situation, but that’s the reality.”
The governor’s comments add fuel to the political tensions brewing in Nigeria, especially with Wike holding a high-profile ministerial role under the current administration despite his PDP membership.
PDP Divisions: “We Are Together” Despite Challenges
Mohammed emphasized that, as the leader of the PDP Governors’ Forum, he must approach party matters with caution, especially when addressing media coverage.
He maintained that the PDP governors remain united, despite differing viewpoints, saying, “You can’t expect 13 governors to agree on everything all the time. There are personal loyalties that impact unity, but we are together in our resolve to move forward.”
However, Mohammed also warned that the ruling APC has a distinct advantage with access to vast resources. But, he argued, bad governance would eventually weaken the APC’s hold, giving the PDP an opportunity to win back power in 2027.
He shared concerns about the federal government’s recent actions, which he described as attempts to control financial resources and weaken labor unions, further complicating the political landscape.
The Role of Wike: Friend or Foe?
In one of the most dramatic points of the interview, Mohammed made it clear that while he considers Wike a friend, he strongly disapproves of his dual loyalty between the PDP and APC.
“You can’t be part of two opposing sides at the same time,” he stated emphatically. “Wike is a friend, and I’ve told him this directly.”
He criticized the media for what he called an endorsement of “unimaginable scenarios,” where Wike is allowed to hold a position of influence within the PDP despite his apparent loyalty to the APC.
“Why hasn’t this been questioned?” Mohammed asked. “Wike openly said he won’t support the PDP in 2027, and that creates a problem.”
For Mohammed, loyalty is paramount, and he indicated that he would have supported Wike if he had shown commitment to the party’s cause.
A Crisis Resolved or Escalated?
During the interview, Mohammed also addressed recent tensions between the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and key party members, emphasizing that the issue had been resolved after discussions with Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the PDP’s acting chairman.
“We may disagree on constitutional matters, but we are aligned on the need for unity,” he said, pointing out that party law must be applied consistently.
Mohammed reassured the public that despite the multi-pronged nature of the crisis, he remains confident that the PDP will overcome its internal struggles.
“I’m confident we will,” he affirmed. “Some people are stirring trouble, but it’s important to ask who’s behind it.”
His answer? Tinubu and Wike.
Calls for Stronger Action Against Disloyalty
Mohammed’s interview included questions about why the PDP had not taken stronger measures against Wike, given his perceived alignment with the APC.
He explained that suspending Wike would require the full involvement of the NWC and emphasized that, despite their influence, governors cannot make unilateral decisions.
“You can’t suspend him without the NWC’s involvement,” he clarified. “The Board of Trustees (BoT) is advisory, not a decision-making body.”
While he acknowledged Wike’s contributions to the PDP, he expressed disappointment at Wike’s public statements refusing to support the PDP in the next election cycle.
“Once Wike said he wouldn’t support the PDP in 2027, he created a problem,” Mohammed explained, noting the need for absolute loyalty as the party prepares to challenge the APC in the next election.
Can the PDP Win in 2027?
Despite the challenges, Mohammed remains optimistic about the PDP’s future and its potential to regain power in 2027.
He argued that the APC is far from stable, claiming that it is fraught with its own internal divisions that undermine its ability to govern effectively.
“Every major party has its issues, but the APC has deliberately caused problems in the Labour Party and the NNPP,” he said.
Mohammed described the APC’s internal conflicts as a “cancer” that would eventually damage its unity.
He asserted that while the PDP might be the latest to face such a crisis, it would emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to remove those he called “undertakers” of the party and move forward with renewed focus.
The APC’s Alleged Strategy: A One-Party State?
The Bauchi governor did not shy away from criticizing the APC’s tactics, accusing the ruling party of a concerted strategy to weaken opposition forces and limit political competition.
“They have resources on their side, but ultimately, bad governance will be their undoing,” he said, expressing confidence that the PDP’s track record and internal resilience would help it overcome any attempts to create a one-party state.
Mohammed’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the political maneuvering within Nigeria’s leading opposition party, with hints at deeper issues within both the PDP and APC.
As the PDP looks ahead, Mohammed emphasized the importance of unity within the party, particularly as it gears up for what could be a historic contest in 2027.
“By the grace of God, we will emerge from this crisis stronger,” he stated confidently, adding that the PDP’s leadership is committed to putting the party’s interest above personal ambitions.