The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday engaged in a heated exchange over the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, amid speculations that the governor may defect.
Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has signalled his intention to exit the party, citing unresolved internal disputes. His consultations with stakeholders in both the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress have further fuelled uncertainty over his next political move.
Speaking after a meeting with ADC leaders earlier in the week, the Bauchi governor accused Wike of contributing significantly to the PDP’s lingering crisis. He said repeated reconciliation efforts, including engagements with party leaders and national figures, had failed to yield results.
According to him, “I have done everything possible to resolve the issues within the party, including meeting key stakeholders, but the situation remains unresolved.”
Mohammed disclosed that while discussions had been held with the APC, the party appeared unreceptive, adding that the ADC had shown more openness to his camp. He, however, noted that consultations were ongoing and a final decision would soon be announced.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, met privately with Mohammed at the Government House in Bauchi. Though details of the meeting were not disclosed, sources indicated it may be linked to efforts to influence the governor’s political direction.
Reacting during a project inspection in Abuja, Wike dismissed Mohammed’s planned exit from the PDP, describing it as inconsequential.
The FCT minister accused the governor of engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations for political advantage, including alleged meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in pursuit of entry into the APC.
Wike said the governor’s attempts reportedly failed after the ruling party declined to meet his conditions, which allegedly included influencing succession plans and securing a Senate ticket.
He also claimed that Mohammed had previously sought his intervention within the PDP but was unsuccessful, adding that the governor’s shifting political positions had undermined his credibility.
The minister further alleged inconsistencies in Mohammed’s political alliances, particularly regarding his relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to Wike, the PDP would be better off without members unwilling to remain committed during periods of internal crisis.
“The party must be built on loyalty and stability, not constant movement in search of personal gain,” he said.
The war of words highlights growing tensions within the PDP as it grapples with internal divisions ahead of future electoral contests.
