Gov Bala To Wike: Your Legacy Will Be Political Mercenary

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has declared that the betrayal of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and divisive politics by Mr Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have revealed him as a man driven by personal ambition than public service.

He specifically said that Wike’s dual loyalty, is a dangerous precedent in Nigerian politics, adding that his shameless oscillation between the PDP and APC undermines the moral fabric of democracy, stressing that politics must be guided by principles, and not by personal whims.

Governor Mohammed also said that the legacy of Wike will be that of a political mercenary who squandered opportunities and betrayed his allies.

Mohammed said that while the antics of Wike may grab news headlines, they however offer little substance owing to his betrayal of the same PDP that made him politically.

The Bauchi Governor who stated these while responding to recent media chat by Nyesom Wike during which he made references to Governor Bala Mohammed as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, stressed that Wike’s incoherence often makes it difficult to discern any substantive points.

A statement on Friday, January 24, 2025,Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser to the Governor of Bauchi State on Media and Publicity, stated that Governor Mohammed, said that Wike, in his characteristic style, launched into his now-predictable tirade, marked by contradictions, grandstanding, and a perplexing display of loyalty that seems to shift with the wind.

The statement further stated; “Senator Bala Mohammed finds it necessary to respond to a few specific remarks that distort facts and aim to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the very platform that gave Wike his political rise.

“A Transactional Politician Who Bites the Hand That Feeds Him. Chief Wike’s ascendancy in politics is a testament to the opportunities provided by the PDP. Yet, he now gleefully undermines the very foundation that nurtured him.

“It is disheartening that a man who owes so much to a party that stood by him in his political journey has chosen to be a willing tool in its denigration. His recent media outburst was yet another reminder of his transactional approach to politics, where personal ambition eclipses loyalty, principles, and collective interests.

“Unlike Wike, who thrives on drama and divisiveness, Senator Bala Mohammed has always understood that politics is not a game of self-serving theatrics but a platform to serve the public good.

“Wike’s erratic behaviour and opportunistic alliances expose him as an unreliable and fair-weather friend—traits that alienate even those who once stood by him,” it stated.

Commenting on “Friendship and Governance: A False Narrative”, Governor Mohammed said that Wike’s assertion that he is not friends with him is as irrelevant as it is puerile, stressing that Governance is not built on personal friendships but on competence, vision, and the ability to deliver results.

Mohammed said that his achievements in Bauchi State speak for themselves, adding that his leadership has elevated the PDP as a formidable opposition party, countering the excesses of the APC-led federal government, while Wike busies himself playing a double game “PDP by day, APC by night”.

The statement further said; “Should Wike ever have a moment of genuine self-reflection and wish to align himself with true leadership, Senator Bala Mohammed would welcome him with open arms. Until then, Wike’s friendship—or lack thereof—is inconsequential to the progress of Bauchi State and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy”.

While describing him as a hypocritical critic of opposition politics, Mohammed said that Wike’s attempt to question his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills is not only baseless but hypocritical, adding that while Wike accuses others of insincerity, he has seamlessly transitioned from being a self-proclaimed PDP stalwart to an ardent supporter of the APC government.

“Wike now advocates for the re-election of the same APC administration in 2027, all while continuing to claim membership in the PDP. This chameleonic behaviour raises serious questions about Wike’s credibility and moral compass.

“Nigerians are not deceived by Wike’s antics. They see a man willing to undermine his party for personal gain, a man whose loyalty shifts as quickly as his alliances. By contrast, Senator Bala Mohammed’s opposition to the Tax Reform Bills reflects a principled stand aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and accountability.

“His constructive interventions have already led to significant adjustments in the reform process, underscoring the importance of meaningful dialogue over hollow rhetoric.

“Chief Wike’s tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has been marked less by governance and more by his weekly spectacle of media insults. Instead of using his platform to unite and inspire, Wike has reduced public service to a theatre of absurdity, alienating stakeholders and creating unnecessary tensions.

“His combative style and inability to engage in constructive dialogue make him a liability to the government he serves and a source of embarrassment to his former party.

“Even members of the APC are reportedly dismayed by Wike’s antics, which reflect poorly on the administration as a whole. His relentless noise-making and attention-seeking detract from the serious business of governance, undermining the credibility of the very government he claims to represent.

“Wike’s behaviour, reminiscent of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where roles blur and values vanish, exemplifies the kind of amoral politics that erodes public trust and damages national unity.

“Senator Bala Mohammed is a leader of substance. In contrast to Wike’s theatrics, Senator Bala Mohammed has consistently demonstrated vision, focus, and integrity. His leadership within the PDP Governors Forum and his principled stance on national issues, including the Tax Reform Bills, reflect his commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

“While Wike entertains the public with his media circus, Senator Bala Mohammed remains steadfast in his mission to uplift the people of Bauchi State and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Senator Bala Mohammed will continue to lead with dignity, focus, and a commitment to the greater good—values that stand in stark contrast to Wike’s self-serving agenda.

“The time for governance is now, and it requires leaders of integrity, not noisemakers who prioritize personal gain over national progress,” the statement stressed.