2023 Polls: We Planned Against Atiku With Bauchi Gov But He Betrayed Us, Wike Alleges

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has opened up about the internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior 2023 general election and currently, accusing Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, of betrayal.

He also claimed that some governors elected on the platform of the PDP were working against the party.

During a live media chat on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Wike recounted past events that shaped his political stance, recalling his time as Rivers State governor when he resisted efforts to undermine the PDP.

“When I was governor, I saw the ruling party coming out, using Ali Modu Sheriff to fight to kill the PDP. I stood my ground, saying the PDP must survive. I did not go to the Villa — never,” Wike declared.

Wike declined to delve into the matter when asked if he agreed with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that the ruling party was sponsoring divisions within opposition parties.

“I don’t want to go into that; it’s El-Rufai’s view. Do I look like someone that does something out of the public?”

Addressing concerns about the PDP’s preparedness ahead of the next general election, Wike expressed scepticism, blaming some governors for the party’s woes.

“See why it would not hold; every governor is working against the party. Let them challenge me, and I will tell them one by one.”

Wike particularly accused Governor Bala Mohammed of betraying the G5 governors during a critical moment of political manoeuvring for the 2023 elections.

“Bala Mohammed was having a problem with Atiku and Co. That day, I was going to commission a lounge at the airport; when he landed, I said there was no need to come to town when I was coming to the airport. He called me. Ibrahim Adoke, the former Attorney-General was there.

“He said Atiku would kill him if Atiku wins and that we must support Asiwaju. We now organised G5 to go and pay Bala a visit in Bauchi, not knowing that he was using us to settle with Atiku. When we got there, he was happy. The next day, Tambuwal led a team to go and see Bala, and Bala abandoned us.

“That’s why I say before you hold some position, you must be a man of character. That’s why I always talk about character.”

Reiterating his stance on integrity, Wike added, “I don’t need to go to any Mallam (Herbalist) to pray for me to have character.”

Amid speculation about his loyalty to the PDP, Wike clarified that he had no intention of leaving the party.

“If I move to the APC, I’ll tell you when I’m leaving. I don’t run away from fights; I’m not leaving this party o. The governors have money, but they are not spending it on the party.”

He also criticised the Enugu State governor for failing to assert leadership in the South-East.

Wike said: “Look at the Enugu governor who wanted to be the leader of the South-East; in Anambra today, not a single person bought a ticket for the governorship. You cannot bring someone from Anambra to contest, and you say you are a zonal leader.

“I don’t care who likes me. Do you like my work? If yes, that’s fine. Forget about me. The only person that should like me is my wife, and she does.

“I don’t care about who likes me and who does not. Fubara was once my supporter, has he not changed?”