Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, calling him a “transactional politician” whose loyalty shifts with his personal ambitions.
In a caustic press release issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser for Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed responded directly to remarks made by Wike during a recent media chat.
Wike had criticised Mohammed’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
Gidado described Wike’s attacks as “baseless” and “hypocritical.”
He said, “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. He now advocates 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.”
The governor’s spokesman said Wike’s political career owed much 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.”
Gidado said unlike Wike, “who thrives on drama and divisiveness,” the Bauchi governor had 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.”
“Chief Wike’s assertion that he is not friends with Senator Bala Mohammed is as irrelevant as it is puerile. Governance is not built on personal friendships but on competence, vision, and the ability to deliver results.
“Senator Bala Mohammed’s achievements in Bauchi State speak for themselves. 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.
“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,” he stated.
By Umar Sani @ThePUNCH
