The rivalry between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike flared again on Thursday, with both men trading accusations that underscored deepening cracks within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mohammed, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, accused Wike of being a “terrorist” and claimed he orchestrated the EFCC charges against Bauchi’s finance commissioner.
He alleged Wike was “controlling institutions, bribing people, and selling lands” to advance his political interests.
“Somebody said he was going to put fire in my state,” Mohammed declared, describing Wike as an “undertaker” working against PDP unity.
Wike Fires Back
Wike, addressing supporters in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, dismissed Mohammed’s claims.
He mocked the Bauchi governor as a leader without political structure or cohesion to produce a successor.
“If you do not have such power, why are you fighting? Face your problem,” Wike said.
He accused Mohammed of meddling in Rivers politics. “You came to my state. I told you to be careful. Leave my state alone because you wanted to impose a party leader. I warned him, ‘you will see the consequences’. Today, he does not have a party to produce his successor.”
Wike also rejected allegations that he instigated crises in Bauchi. “If your state is clean, go there and clear yourself. Don’t come and tell Nigerians stories. Leave me alone and face your problems,” he said.
Tinubu Factor and PDP Tensions
The FCT minister defended his record, noting that Rivers State has benefitted under President Bola Tinubu.
“The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state. That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him,” Wike said.
He brushed off criticisms of his background. “At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate. Someone who washed cars became chairman of a local government, governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria, and a two-time minister.”
Mohammed, meanwhile, insisted Wike’s loyalty lies with the ruling APC, not the PDP. “You cannot be in two places at the same time — it’s against the rule of nature,” he said.
Fubara Urges Calm
Amid the escalating feud, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged residents to remain calm. Speaking at a New Year crossover service in Port Harcourt, he said his administration would not be distracted by “sounds of war.”
“We do not have the instrument of war; the only thing we have is our knees, and we will continue to pray to God. Do not be troubled by the sounds of war you are hearing,” Fubara told worshippers.
He reflected on two turbulent years in office but expressed optimism that 2026 would bring stability and accelerated development.
Factional PDP caretaker chairman in Rivers, Dr. Robinson Ewor, accused Fubara of deceiving party members. He claimed the governor abandoned PDP midway for APC after promising to wrest control from Wike.
Ewor demanded disclosure of the peace deal allegedly brokered by President Tinubu before the lifting of emergency rule.
“The mandate he is holding was given to him by Rivers people. Therefore, it is incumbent on him to fully disclose all the agreements he entered into,” Ewor said.
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