Bauchi Governor’s Son Shamsudeen Muhammed Declares Father Will Not Support Atiku’s Presidential Ambition

Shamsudeen Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has made a startling political declaration on social media, asserting that his father cannot support the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The remarks, made via his X (formerly Twitter) account, @shamsudeen_bala, have stirred debate within the ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and among political analysts.

Shamsudeen Muhammed was responding to a user who expressed hope that Atiku and Governor Mohammed would reconcile and work together to rejuvenate the PDP. Dismissing the suggestion, he stated bluntly that such unity was unlikely, given Atiku’s actions during the 2023 general elections. “Honestly, it would be difficult,” he wrote, further explaining that Atiku not only withheld support for Governor Bala’s re-election bid but actively worked against it by mobilizing influential elites within Bauchi State to back the opposition.

Shamsudeen Muhammed Allegations of Sabotage During 2023 Elections

In his post, Shamsudeen Muhammed accused Atiku of betrayal during the last election cycle. He alleged that the former vice president covertly supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Bauchi State, a move that nearly cost Governor Bala his second term. According to Shamsudeen Muhammed, Atiku’s actions were not just passive but deliberate and strategic, aiming to undermine his father’s chances at the polls.

“We barely survived it,” Shamsudeen Muhammed recalled, highlighting how the governor’s team managed to secure re-election despite internal sabotage. He suggested that Atiku had “used Bauchi elites” to campaign against Governor Bala, indicating a deeply rooted political rivalry masked by surface-level party loyalty. This revelation casts a shadow over Atiku’s image as a party unifier and exposes the lingering tensions within PDP’s top hierarchy.

A Rift Too Deep to Heal?

The young Shamsudeen Mohammed further questioned the rationale behind supporting Atiku in the future, asserting that even if Atiku were to win the presidency, he would likely not offer any benefits or support to Bauchi State or its leadership. “He’s made it clear he doesn’t value us enough to engage in dialogue,” Shamsudeen stated, painting a picture of political isolation and disillusionment.

This assertion reflects broader frustrations within some PDP factions who feel neglected or even antagonized by Atiku’s political maneuvering. Analysts say that such public declarations from political insiders could severely harm PDP’s prospects in consolidating its ranks ahead of the next general election. The statement also reopens old wounds from the party’s internal primary battles and power struggles during the 2023 elections.

Implications for PDP’s Future Unity

The fallout from Shamsudeen Muhammed’s post has further illuminated the fragile state of unity within the PDP. The party, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since its defeat in the 2023 presidential elections, now faces another potential internal crisis. If Governor Bala, a prominent northern leader and one-time presidential aspirant, refuses to back Atiku, it could trigger wider discontent in the North and beyond.

PDP has been attempting to reposition itself as a credible opposition party amid Nigeria’s volatile political landscape. However, public displays of internal distrust and resentment—especially among influential families—may weaken its appeal to voters and embolden rival parties like the APC and the emerging Labour Party.

Silence from the Governor and Atiku’s Camp

As of press time, neither Governor Bala Mohammed nor former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded publicly to the claims made by Shamsudeen Muhammed. The silence has left room for speculation, with observers wondering whether backchannel efforts are underway to contain the fallout or if both camps are gearing up for another round of political conflict.

Political commentators suggest that unless the party leadership addresses these grievances head-on, the PDP risks further fragmentation. The situation underscores the complex dynamics of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal that continue to shape Nigeria’s political elite. If unaddressed, the rift could prove costly for the PDP as it looks ahead to 2027.