Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating moves to damage his reputation and undermine his political standing.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, the governor alleged that Wike was acting as an “undertaker” within the Peoples Democratic Party rather than a loyal member, insisting that the minister’s actions were aimed at weakening the opposition.
Mohammed firmly rejected claims linking him to banditry, stressing that Bauchi remains one of the most secure states in the North-East and northern Nigeria as a whole. He attributed the state’s relative peace to what he described as deliberate strategy, wisdom, and effective leadership, rather than coincidence.
He argued that attempts to associate him with criminal activity were deliberate acts of political sabotage targeted at opposition figures. According to him, such allegations were part of a wider campaign of mud-slinging designed to destroy his integrity and credibility.
The governor claimed he was aware of those behind the accusations and directly mentioned the FCT minister, alleging that Wike had threatened to “put fire” in his state. He described being labelled a terrorist as deeply painful, especially as a rising opposition leader, and dismissed allegations involving one of his nephews as baseless.
Mohammed disclosed that he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and copied relevant security and investigative agencies, adding that he was prepared to escalate the matter internationally in what he described as a case of victimisation and a violation of his fundamental human rights.
He further alleged that President Bola Tinubu was being misled by individuals he described as hooligans and charlatans who were bent on destabilising his administration and destroying political opponents. According to him, internal pressure and conflicting interests were at play, with some forces pushing him toward the ruling APC while others, including Wike, opposed him.
Reiterating his criticism of the FCT minister, Mohammed said Wike could not genuinely belong to two political camps at the same time, arguing that his actions had deepened divisions within the PDP and carried serious consequences for the party and the country.
The PDP has remained divided since its loss in the 2023 presidential election, a period marked by defections of key figures and parallel claims to party leadership. The internal crisis worsened after rival factions expelled prominent members, including governors and former governors, further polarising the opposition.
On Wednesday, Mohammed had also accused the Federal Government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intimidate him and officials of his administration over his refusal to defect to the APC.
This followed the filing of fresh charges by the EFCC against Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Finance and others over alleged terrorism financing involving about $9.7 million.
What you should know
Bala Mohammed’s remarks highlight the deepening rift within the PDP and rising tensions between opposition leaders and the Federal Government.
His accusations against Nyesom Wike reflect broader struggles for control, loyalty, and influence within the party since 2023. The governor’s denial of banditry links and claims of political persecution underscore concerns about the use of security and anti-graft agencies in partisan conflicts.
As internal disputes persist, the PDP’s unity and effectiveness as an opposition force continue to face serious challenges.
