A prominent loyalist of former Nigerian vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticised Bauchi State Governor Bala Muhammed for comments deemed “reckless” and “disrespectful” towards the elder statesman.
Dr Aslam Aliyu, known as Gimbiyar Kauran Namoda from Zamfara State and one of the most respected politicians in Nigeria, issued a statement yesterday condemning Governor Muhammed’s remarks, which she described as unbecoming of a party leader.
One of Nigeria’s respected female political voices suggested that Atiku is not a politician who should be betrayed.
“Atiku Abubakar is not a politician to be undermined by mere political officeholders whose relevance remains confined to their states,” Aliyu said.
Dr Aliyu highlighted the former vice president’s enduring influence since 1999.
She pointed to his service under President Olusegun Obasanjo, his pivotal role in shaping the PDP, and his consistent presence in Nigeria’s political landscape over two decades.
Aliyu accused Muhammed of exposing his “political inexperience” by attempting to diminish Atiku’s status within the party.
“For a governor who owes his platform to the PDP’s legacy to belittle one of its founding pillars is not just ungrateful—it is dangerous,” she warned.
She stated that when discussing the leaders of the People’s Democratic Party today, after Atiku Abubakar, Senator Aminu Tambuwal is next in line.
“He demonstrated a spirit of sportsmanship by stepping down for Atiku in 2023 for northern development.”
She added that if Kaura wished to resolve the PDP crisis, where was he when Wike and Fubara were at loggerheads over leadership for over two years? No action was taken until the governor was suspended and the state was declared a state of emergency.
“If he wants to end the crisis in the PDP, he should first resolve the one in his own state, Bauchi, and reinstate the Rivers State Governor, Fubara, who is currently suspended.”
The statement urged Muhammed to exercise humility and cautioned that divisive rhetoric threatens the PDP’s unity.
“The PDP stands today because of the loyalty, sacrifice, and vision of men like Atiku Abubakar,” Aliyu declared, calling for mutual respect to safeguard the party’s future.
