Wike Accuses Bauchi Governor of Secretly Working Against Atiku in PDP
In a recent media interaction, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has leveled serious allegations against Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing him of secretly plotting against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike claimed that during a private meeting in 2022, Governor Mohammed expressed his unwillingness to support Atiku ahead of the 2023 presidential election, citing personal animosities and proposing an alternative political alliance.
Alleged Private Meeting Details
According to Wike, the conversation occurred at an airport in 2022, a critical period when political alignments were being shaped for the general election. "He said, look, he cannot work with Atiku... he said, look, he knows that Atiku hates him, and there's no way he can support him," Wike recounted. The minister further stated that Governor Mohammed advocated for backing a southern presidential candidate at that time, suggesting a strategic shift away from Atiku's candidacy.
Claims of Political Inconsistency
Wike criticized what he described as the governor's inconsistent political behavior, alleging that Mohammed later changed his position and aligned with political actors linked to Atiku despite his earlier reservations. "The same man has now agreed to go to ADC where the same Atiku that was not like him is," Wike added, highlighting what he perceives as contradictory actions that undermine trust within party structures.
Questions About Loyalty and Party Unity
The minister expressed deep concern over these alleged shifts, suggesting they damage the PDP's internal cohesion. "One minute you tell Nigerians this, and then you come up with something else," he remarked, questioning the governor's commitment to collective party interests over personal political positioning. Wike emphasized that his remarks were intended to highlight issues of consistency and accountability in political leadership, stating, "I want Nigerians to hear what happened."
Broader Context of PDP Tensions
These allegations emerge amid ongoing political realignments and internal disputes within the PDP, with key figures accused of pursuing parallel interests ahead of future elections. The Bauchi State government has not yet publicly responded to Wike's claims at the time of this report. This development adds to existing tensions within opposition ranks, potentially affecting party unity and strategic planning for upcoming electoral contests.
