War of Words Erupts Between Wike and Bauchi Governor

A sharp public exchange erupted on Wednesday between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, exposing fresh fractures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The dispute began after Mohammed accused Wike of working to destabilise Bauchi State and damage his political standing through intimidation and smear campaigns. Speaking on *Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily*, the governor alleged that the FCT minister was behind attempts to link him to banditry and terrorism.

Mohammed said Bauchi remained one of the more secure states in the North-East under his administration and described the allegations against him as politically motivated.

“I am a sitting governor, and my state is among the most secure in the North-East, if not northern Nigeria. Yet, I am being associated with banditry for political reasons,” he said.

He claimed Wike had threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi by encouraging political attacks against him, adding that such accusations were intended to silence him as an opposition figure.

Mohammed also alleged that unnamed powerful interests were pressuring him to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation and copied security agencies to seek protection and redress.

The Bauchi governor further accused Wike of undermining the PDP while aligning with the APC-led Federal Government.

“He cannot claim to be in opposition and at the same time work with the ruling party,” Mohammed said, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be cautious of individuals he accused of abusing state institutions.

His comments come amid renewed tension between the Bauchi State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mohammed alleged that the Federal Government was using the anti-graft agency to harass his administration following terrorism financing charges involving $9.7 million against the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and others. He insisted the case was politically driven.

Wike rejected Mohammed’s claims, describing them as unfounded and a reflection of leadership and party problems in Bauchi.

Speaking during a visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, the FCT minister said Mohammed lacked the political structure and internal party cohesion to manage his affairs or produce a successor.

“Bala Mohammed came to my state and wanted to impose party leadership. I warned him to be careful and leave my state alone,” Wike said. “Today, he does not even have a party to produce his successor.”

He denied threatening to destabilise Bauchi and dismissed suggestions that he influenced the EFCC’s actions.

“He said all the problems he is facing are because of me. If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems,” Wike said.

On the EFCC investigation, he added: “If your state is clean, go there and enjoy yourself. I have no business with Bauchi’s finances.”

Wike also criticised Mohammed’s leadership and questioned his record as FCT minister between 2010 and 2015, alleging mismanagement of land and contracts during that period.

Responding to personal attacks on his background, Wike said his political career was evidence of his competence.

“I have no problem with that. Someone who washed cars became local government chairman, governor, and a two-time minister,” he said.

The FCT minister reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, citing federal appointments and projects in Rivers State, and said his political decisions were guided by conviction.

“When you tell people the truth, they get angry,” Wike said. “But the truth remains the truth.”