Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has firmly replied to recent remarks made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stating that no external forces can destabilize Bauchi State. Governor Mohammed, who also chairs the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, made this assertion yesterday before a meeting with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi.
The governor’s response comes three weeks after Wike accused PDP governors of meddling in party affairs in Rivers State, his political stronghold. Around mid-August, PDP governors had declared Siminalayi Fubara, Wike’s estranged political protégé, as the leader of the party in Rivers, a move that infuriated Wike. In retaliation, the former governor organized a congress to consolidate his influence and maintain control over the Rivers PDP.
However, addressing these tensions, Governor Mohammed struck a conciliatory tone, suggesting that Wike’s comments were borne out of frustration rather than genuine animosity. He stated, “Nobody can put fire in Bauchi State. Bauchi has volumes of water. Even my friend that is saying that, he is saying that because he is annoyed. Maybe I had said something that annoyed him. But it is not personal. My friend is my friend, my job is my job, and leadership is leadership.”
The governor downplayed the perceived rift, emphasizing that their disagreements are professional and not personal. He highlighted the importance of unity and leadership in navigating party crises. “None of the parties are insulated from crises here and there, and that is why leadership is there. If we have a quarrel, it is not personal. Nobody should misunderstand us. We are together,” Mohammed stressed, reassuring party members that these issues would be addressed during the meeting.
On his part, the PDP Legal Adviser, Kamaludeen Ajibade, SAN, who led the NWC delegation to Bauchi, expressed support for Governor Mohammed’s leadership. He explained the purpose of the visit, saying, “The purpose of the visit is to identify with the Governor and salute his courage as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. A lot of things have been going on in our party, and we cannot pretend that all is going well.”
Ajibade acknowledged the challenges within the PDP but commended Governor Mohammed and his colleagues for their efforts to address the internal conflicts. “We are satisfied that the chairman and other governors are addressing these challenges. Whatever steps are taken by the Governors’ Forum, we at the National Working Committee will ensure they are implemented,” he added.
As the PDP faces internal power struggles, especially in states like Rivers, Governor Mohammed’s leadership is seen as pivotal to maintaining cohesion within the party. His calm and measured response to Wike’s remarks signals an attempt to preserve unity while navigating the complexities of political leadership at both the state and national levels.
The coming weeks are expected to see more discussions and resolutions aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections, particularly as the PDP continues to confront challenges related to leadership control and internal disagreements. Governor Mohammed’s leadership within the Governors’ Forum will likely play a crucial role in shaping the party’s direction moving forward.
