The senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the FCT minister, Lere Olayinka, has advised the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, to stop citing the appointment of Nyesom Wike as minister by President Bola Tinubu as a reason for his inability to lead as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Olayinka yesterday responded to Mohammed’s recent remarks suggesting that it was ironic for a politician with a reputation for inconsistency to label someone else as a “transactional politician.”
He reminded the governor of his history of political manoeuvering, including his abandonment of former governor Isa Yuguda in 2007 and his departure from the defunct ANPP in 2010 for a ministerial role under the PDP government of Goodluck Jonathan.
He questioned how Wike’s ministerial role could possibly be blamed for Mohammed’s failur in leading the PDP Governors’ Forum, especially as he pursues a presidential ticket for 2027, a position that is widely understood to remain in the South until at least 2031.
In his statement, Olayinka stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a press release from Governor Bala Mohammed that took six days to craft, and we sympathise with a man who, out of political greed, has plunged himself into deep waters without the ability to swim.”
He asserted that Bala Mohammed was improperly occupying the position of chairman of the PDP Governors Forum due to “political greed,” noting that the chairmanship should traditionally be held by a southern governor, as the previous chairman is from the North, just like the PDP national chairman.
Olayinka further criticised Bala Mohammed for his ineffective leadership of the party, arguing that his actions had hurt the PDP’s current standing.
“Rather than taking responsibility, Bala Mohammed has divided the National Working Committee, engaging with only one faction and neglecting the other,” he said.
Addressing Bala Mohammed’s blame of Wike for his own shortcomings, Olayinka remarked, “Do we need to remind him that Wike, a dedicated member of the PDP, serving in an APC government is not a novel occurrence in Nigerian politics?”
He recalled instances where leaders from various parties collaborated within government, saying Bala Mohammed himself became a minister in 2010 while still part of the defunct ANPP before switching to the PDP.
He criticised Bala Mohammed’s leadership capabilities, stating, “His failure during the 2015 elections prevented the PDP from campaigning in Bauchi, a disgraceful episode that serious politicians would want to disassociate themselves from.”
He expressed disbelief at Bala Mohammed labeling Wike a “transactional politician,” stating, “Such a claim is not only absurd but also demonstrates the lack of self-awareness on Bala Mohammed’s part.”
Olayinka advised the handlers of Senator Bala Mohammed to encourage him to face his leadership failures directly, pointing out that Wike’s contributions to the party following its loss of power in 2015 far exceed what Bala Mohammed has accomplished during his tenure.
Olayinka also highlighted how politically astute leaders like Wike have continued to serve effectively, regardless of party affiliations, citing historical examples where members of different political parties collaborated in governance.
He noted that between 2003 and 2009, the PDP appointed officials from various parties while retaining power.
On the accusations against Wike, Olayinka declared, “It is utterly absurd for Bala Mohammed to label Wike a ‘transactional politician.’ His own political history is replete with betrayal and opportunism.”
He concluded by advising Mohammed to confront his leadership shortcomings directly instead of shifting blame, emphasising that Wike’s achievements over the past year as FCT Minister far exceed what Bala Mohammed accomplished during his own tenure. “The evidence is clear for all to see,” Olayinka stated, “Chairmanship of the PDP Governors’ Forum is not merely a title; it requires true leadership.”
