Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has accused Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed of betraying the trust and support of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who he claims played a pivotal role in securing Mohammed’s gubernatorial victory in 2018.
Dogara alleged that Mohammed’s chances of clinching the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2018 were slim, as his main rival, Senator Abdul Ningi, controlled the party’s structure in Bauchi State. In response, Dogara reached out to Wike, who provided both financial and logistical support, including appointing an ally, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, as chairman of the primary panel.
According to Dogara, Wike’s involvement extended to providing a private jet to fly Orbih to Bauchi and covering all the expenses for the PDP primaries, ensuring Mohammed emerged as the party’s candidate.
After Mohammed won the primaries, Dogara revealed that funding became a major issue, with a fundraiser held at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja raising only ₦48 million. Strapped for cash, Dogara led a delegation to Port Harcourt, where Wike once again came to the rescue, providing additional financial support and resources for Mohammed’s campaign.
“Wike bore all the costs, from providing a private jet to ensuring Bala Mohammed’s emergence as the PDP’s flagbearer,” Dogara said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He further alleged that Mohammed knelt before Wike to accept the funds, promising to change his ways, only to later turn against him.
Dogara described Mohammed as a “serial betrayer” and a “psychopath,” accusing him of biting the hand that fed him by labeling Wike a “transactional politician.” Dogara defended Wike, emphasizing that his financial support during Mohammed’s campaign came with no strings attached.
The fallout between Wike and Mohammed is believed to stem from the ongoing PDP leadership crisis, which has fueled accusations and counteraccusations. Mohammed had previously criticized Wike for allegedly betraying the PDP by working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
Wike, in turn, accused Mohammed of hypocrisy, pointing out his own political switches between parties, including moving from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to the PDP.
Dogara hinted that Wike’s grievances may also be tied to Mohammed’s perceived support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wike’s successor, amid their ongoing feud.
This feud highlights deep divisions within the PDP, with longstanding alliances unraveling as party members accuse one another of betrayal and undermining collective goals.