A war of words has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over the deepening crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governor’s reported plans to defect.
The dispute comes as Mohammed weighs a possible move from the PDP to either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid ongoing internal tensions within the opposition party.
Governor Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has blamed Wike for the party’s crisis, saying repeated efforts at reconciliation had failed. He disclosed that he held meetings with key political figures, including party leaders and the President, in a bid to stabilise the PDP, but to no avail.
“I have done everything possible to resolve the issues within the party, including engaging stakeholders across divides, but the situation has not improved,” he said after meeting with ADC leaders in Bauchi.
The governor noted that while discussions with the APC did not yield the desired outcome, the ADC appeared more receptive, adding that consultations were ongoing and a final decision would soon be announced.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, held a closed-door meeting with Mohammed in Bauchi, fuelling speculation about his next political move.
Reacting, Wike dismissed Mohammed’s grievances and mocked his defection plans, describing his potential exit from the PDP as “good riddance.” He accused the Bauchi governor of engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations for political survival, including alleged attempts to secure entry into the APC.
According to Wike, Mohammed held multiple meetings with President Bola Tinubu in pursuit of political concessions, including influencing succession plans and securing party positions—efforts he claimed were unsuccessful.
The minister further alleged that Mohammed sought his intervention within the PDP and attempted to negotiate for key positions, including that of National Secretary, but was rebuffed.
Wike also questioned the governor’s political consistency, accusing him of shifting allegiances between key figures, including Atiku Abubakar, depending on personal interests.
He maintained that the PDP would be better off without members who lack commitment, insisting that genuine leaders should remain and resolve internal issues rather than seek alternatives.
The rift highlights growing divisions within the PDP as the 2027 elections approach, with defections and internal disagreements threatening the party’s cohesion and political strength.
