Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has responded to threats made by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who had warned of potential crises in states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if PDP governors interfered in the ongoing conflict between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
On Tuesday, Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, firmly rebutted Wike’s threats, stating, “Nobody can put fire in Bauchi. We have volumes of water.” This remark was made in response to Wike’s earlier comments cautioning PDP governors to avoid involvement in the Rivers State party leadership dispute. Wike had threatened to incite trouble in states where PDP governors were perceived as meddling in Rivers State affairs.
The PDP Governors’ Forum had previously advocated for the annulment of recent ward and local government congresses in Rivers State, which resulted in Wike gaining control of the party structure, bypassing Fubara, the sitting governor. Wike’s remarks were made during a state congress in Port Harcourt, where he vowed to defend his control over the PDP structure in Rivers.
Addressing members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi, Mohammed downplayed Wike’s threats, attributing them to frustration rather than genuine intent. He emphasized the need for unity within the PDP and praised the NWC’s visit as a sign of the party’s solidarity.
“We must put our interests aside and respect our diversity,” Mohammed stated, highlighting the PDP’s historical contributions to the nation and asserting the party’s resilience in facing internal challenges.
The NWC members, led by National Legal Adviser Kamaludeen Adeyemi, expressed support for Mohammed’s leadership and acknowledged his efforts in maintaining party stability. Adeyemi affirmed their commitment to support the actions of the governors’ forum.
Meanwhile, a faction within the Osun State PDP, known as Professionals in PDP, has criticized Wike for his contentious statements and called on the party’s leadership to take action. In a statement, President Sam Segun-Progress accused Wike of arrogance and demanded that the National Working Committee address his behavior, questioning why Wike seemed to be exempt from party discipline.
The group urged the NWC and PDP governors to confront Wike’s challenges decisively, warning against allowing his actions to undermine the party’s effectiveness as an opposition force.
