Bauchi Governor Calls Wike a “Serial Betrayer,” Urges Exit from PDP

The political rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened over the weekend as Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a “serial betrayer” and a threat to the party’s unity.

Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, issued a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, calling on Wike to officially sever ties with the PDP and fully align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, recently joined President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, a move that has drawn scrutiny and fueled speculation about his political allegiance.

“Nyesom Wike’s actions have consistently undermined the PDP,” Mohammed said in the statement. “He has demonstrated that his loyalties lie elsewhere. If he truly believes in the APC, he should make it official and resign from the PDP.”

In a swift rebuttal, Wike’s Special Assistant on Media, Lere Olayinka, fired back, accusing Mohammed of poor leadership and claiming that he is the one responsible for the PDP’s internal crisis.

“Governor Bala Mohammed has no moral authority to criticize Wike. He has failed as a leader and a unifier,” Olayinka said. “If there’s anyone undermining the PDP, it is Bala Mohammed himself. He should focus on governance instead of pursuing an unrealistic presidential ambition for 2027.”

This public spat marks the second time in recent weeks that Mohammed and Wike have clashed. Earlier, Mohammed referred to Wike as a “transactional politician” whose loyalty shifts based on personal ambitions.

Political analysts view this escalating feud as a reflection of deeper divisions within the PDP. The party has been grappling with a series of internal conflicts since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, with Wike emerging as one of the more controversial figures due to his outspoken nature and alignment with the APC-led administration.

As the PDP struggles to rebuild its image and unity, observers fear that these internal squabbles could further weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both camps have yet to indicate any efforts to reconcile their differences.

The ongoing tension within the PDP is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition parties as they navigate a shifting political landscape.