2023 Election: “Bala Mohammed Betrayed Us After We Backed Him Against Atiku” – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of betraying the G5 governors in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections. Speaking during a live media chat on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Wike also claimed that some PDP governors worked against the party’s interest during the last elections, contributing to its challenges.

Recalling events from his tenure as Rivers State governor, Wike said he stood firm against attempts by external forces to destabilize the PDP, particularly during the period when Ali Modu Sheriff was involved in internal party disputes. “When I was governor, I saw the ruling party using Ali Modu Sheriff to kill the PDP. I stood my ground. I did not go to the Villa — never,” he said.

When asked about former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that the ruling party sponsored divisions within opposition parties, Wike declined to comment directly. “I don’t want to go into that; it’s El-Rufai’s view. Do I look like someone that does something out of the public?” he responded.

Wike expressed doubts about the PDP’s preparedness for future elections, alleging that governors within the party were undermining it from within. “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 stated.

Focusing on Governor Bala Mohammed, Wike alleged that he had initially supported the G5’s stance against Atiku Abubakar but later used the group to reconcile with the PDP presidential candidate. “Bala Mohammed said Atiku would kill him if he won and insisted we must support Asiwaju. We went to visit him in Bauchi to show solidarity, but he used us to settle with Atiku. The next day, Tambuwal led a delegation to see him, and Bala abandoned us,” Wike said.

He emphasized the importance of character in leadership, saying, “Before you hold some position, you must be a man of character. I don’t need to go to any Mallam to pray for me to have character.”

Amid ongoing speculation about his political allegiance, Wike affirmed his commitment to the PDP, despite recent tensions. “If I move to the APC, I’ll tell you. I don’t run away from fights; I’m not leaving this party. The governors have money, but they are not spending it on the party,” he said.

Wike also criticized the Enugu State governor for failing to assert leadership in the South-East, citing the lack of political traction in Anambra State. “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,” he said.

In closing, Wike brushed off concerns about public perception, saying, “I don’t care who likes me. Do you like my work? That’s fine. The only person that should like me is my wife, and she does. Fubara was once my supporter, has he not changed?”