Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of betraying the G5 governors, a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a live media chat, Wike claimed that several PDP governors were actively working against the party’s interests.
“See why it would not hold; every governor is working against the party. Let them challenge me, and I will tell them one by one,” he said.
Wike alleged that Bala Mohammed initially sought the support of the G5 governors due to his strained relationship with Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“Bala Mohammed was having a problem with Atiku and Co. He told me Atiku would kill him if he won and that we must support Asiwaju.
“We then organised the G5 to visit Bala in Bauchi, not knowing he was using us to settle with Atiku. The next day, Tambuwal led a team to visit Bala, and Bala abandoned us,” Wike recounted.
He emphasised the importance of integrity in leadership, stating:
“Before you hold some position, you must be a man of character. I don’t need to go to any Mallam (Herbalist) to pray for me to have character.”
Amid speculation about his political allegiance, Wike dismissed claims that he was planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If I move to the APC, I’ll tell you when I’m leaving. I don’t run away from fights; I’m not leaving this party.”
He also criticised PDP governors for failing to financially support the party, adding:
“The governors have money, but they are not spending it on the party.”
Wike also took a swipe at the Enugu State governor, accusing him of failing to establish strong political leadership in the South-East.
“Look at the Enugu governor who wanted to be the leader of the South-East; in Anambra today, not a single person bought a ticket for the governorship. You cannot bring someone from Anambra to contest and say you are a zonal leader.”
He concluded by dismissing concerns over public perception, asserting that the only opinion that truly mattered to him was that of his wife.
“I don’t care who likes me. Do you like my work? If yes, that’s fine. The only person that should like me is my wife, and she does.”
