Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed,a PDP Governor has responded firmly to recent threats made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, vowing that Bauchi would not succumb to any crisis attempts. Wike had warned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to stay out of the ongoing dispute between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, or risk their states being thrown into turmoil.
In his retort, Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, reassured his supporters, stating, “Nobody can put fire in Bauchi. We have volumes of water.” Mohammed implied that Wike’s threat stemmed from frustration but dismissed the notion that any instability could arise in Bauchi, highlighting his commitment to maintaining peace and order. He emphasized that while Wike remains a friend, leadership requires putting personal grievances aside for the greater good of the party.
PDP Governors Reject Wike’s Takeover of Party Structure in Rivers
The tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara escalated when Wike allegedly took control of the PDP structure in Rivers State through ward and local government congresses. The PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bala Mohammed, has called for the reversal of these congresses, insisting that the party’s structure should remain with the sitting governor, Fubara.
Wike, in turn, issued a stark warning to the governors, threatening to ignite crises in their states if they intervened. During a state congress in Port Harcourt, Wike stated, “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us.” He further warned that any attempt by the governors to challenge his hold on the party in Rivers would be met with severe consequences.
Despite these threats, Governor Bala Mohammed remained unshaken, responding with confidence that Bauchi would not be affected by any such interference. His stance highlights the growing divide within the PDP, with Bala Mohammed calling for unity and effective leadership to address internal disputes.
Pressure Mounts on PDP to Act Against Wike’s Actions
As the feud between Wike and PDP governors continues to intensify, a pressure group within the Osun State chapter of the PDP has urged the party’s leadership to take decisive action against Wike’s behavior. The group, known as Professionals in PDP, expressed their dissatisfaction with Wike’s conduct, describing his outbursts as “arrogant” and “demeaning.”
In a statement signed by its President, Sam Segun-Progress, the group questioned the party’s reluctance to discipline Wike. “Is Wike above the law or above the party? What makes him special that he can challenge the party leadership without consequence?” the group asked. They called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the governors to address the situation before it escalates further.
The group’s statement echoes growing concerns within the party about Wike’s influence, urging party members to stand up to what they see as his unwarranted dominance. As internal pressures mount, the PDP faces a critical decision on how to navigate this internal conflict and maintain unity ahead of the 2024 elections.
Rebuilding the PDP to Challenge APC in 2024
Governor Bala Mohammed’s remarks also touched on the larger picture of the PDP’s future, particularly as the party prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in upcoming elections. Acknowledging the recent internal struggles, including the Wike-PDP leadership drama, Bala Mohammed urged the party to use this period of reflection to rebuild and refocus its energies. He noted that when the PDP governed Nigeria, the country saw significant progress, unlike under the current administration. “When PDP left, nothing was done,” he lamented, highlighting the party’s legacy of development.
The governor’s statements come at a critical time for the PDP, as it strives to present a united front in the face of ongoing internal and external pressures. Bala Mohammed’s call for respect, rule of law, and setting aside personal interests was a clarion call for unity ahead of the 2024 general elections. He expressed the belief that with proper leadership and adherence to the principles of the party, the PDP can rise again and challenge the APC’s dominance, ultimately positioning itself as the party that can restore development and stability in Nigeria
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
