A bitter public spat erupted yesterday between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over the latter’s reported plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Mohammed, one of the few remaining PDP governors and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has met leaders of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving political observers guessing about his next move. Sources say discussions with ADC appear more promising, although no final decision has been taken.
Mohammed accused Wike of being responsible for the PDP crisis, which he said prompted his consideration to quit the party. “I have done everything possible to reconcile within the PDP… I also met Nyesom Wike personally, putting aside personal pride. However, his position was clear; he believes he has already taken control of the party,” he said.
Wike fired back during an inspection in Abuja, mocking the governor’s political maneuvers as “good riddance to bad rubbish.” He alleged that Mohammed had attempted multiple negotiations with the APC, including three separate meetings with President Bola Tinubu, to secure a pathway into the ruling party, all of which failed.
The minister also claimed that Mohammed sought his intervention within the PDP to gain strategic positions, such as the National Secretary slot, but Wike refused, stating the governor was negotiating from a weak position.
Wike further accused Mohammed of playing a “double game” by publicly leaning on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while privately dismissing Atiku’s influence. “This lack of consistency is what led to his isolation… he is now shopping for platforms that will give him personal gains,” Wike said.
The FCT minister warned that political survival should not come at the expense of party loyalty, suggesting that PDP is better off without members who fail to tackle internal crises. He also hinted at further political shifts ahead of 2027, referencing potential moves by other governors, including Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde.
As the PDP faces internal turbulence, Mohammed is expected to announce a final decision on his political alignment soon. Meanwhile, political analysts say the clash between Wike and Mohammed highlights deeper fissures within the party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
