Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has issued a strong warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring he will not permit anyone to criminalise him for his refusal to join their ranks. The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum made these explosive remarks on Wednesday, shortly after signing the state's 2026 appropriation bill into law.
Accusations of Political Persecution and a Defiant Stance
Governor Mohammed launched a scathing critique against the APC-led Federal Government, alleging a systematic campaign of persecution against Nigerians who are not members of the ruling party. He claimed state institutions, including the courts and anti-graft agencies, are being weaponised for political ends.
"They feel they can use the courts, the institutions of government, like the EFCC, to persecute and prosecute Nigerians that are not within their own party," Mohammed stated. He issued a stern ultimatum: "If they don't stop, we're going to declare war. I assure you that we're not going to keep quiet any longer."
The governor revealed personal grievances, including that his Finance Commissioner had been detained by the EFCC and not released. He expressed shock at being accused of terrorism in a court motion, despite his constitutional immunity. "I won't allow anybody to criminalise me because I'm not in their party, and I refuse to join their party, and I will not join their party," he firmly declared.
Award Recognition Sparks Broader Critique of Federal Allocation
The governor's comments were prompted as he received an award of excellence as a Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria at the Executive Council Chamber. He dedicated the honour to the people of Bauchi State.
Mohammed used the platform to highlight what he described as a lopsided distribution of national resources. "We have a country where 51 per cent of the resources of the country are taken by the Federal Government," he said. He criticised the federal level for not providing basic infrastructure like roads and water in his state, despite his administration supplementing security agencies' operations.
He lamented the paradox of being recognised for good governance while facing accusations. "We have been given awards three times by the Federal Government for urban development, good governance, and then they are accusing us. What kind of paradox is this?" he questioned.
A Call for Restraint and an Offer of Collaboration
Despite his strong words, Governor Mohammed expressed a willingness to collaborate with the federal government for national progress. "We are ready to support the Presidency and the Federal Government to work because we are federalists," he stated.
He credited his administration's achievements in healthcare, primary education, and security to prudent management of limited resources and support from international partners. He boasted that Bauchi is the safest state in northern Nigeria, achieved through inclusive community development and tolerance among different political parties in the state assembly.
However, he concluded with a clear message of defiance and choice for the central government: "What they want us to do is to join them; we will not join them. If they want war, I said, we will give them; if they want peace, we will give them peace."
