By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, played a crucial role in the emergence of Bala Mohammed as Bauchi State governor in 2019.
Dogara made this revelation in an open letter titled “Gov Bala vs HE Wike: Let the Truth Be Told” amid the ongoing public dispute between Wike and Mohammed over the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the letter, Dogara detailed Wike’s intervention in securing the PDP gubernatorial ticket for Mohammed and his financial contributions to the campaign. According to Dogara, Wike provided campaign funds and logistical support without placing any conditions.
Wike’s Intervention in PDP Primaries
Dogara recalled that in the 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries, Wike played a decisive role in ensuring Mohammed’s victory over his major opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi. He recounted how he sought Wike’s help, which resulted in the appointment of Chief Dan Osi Orbih as chairman of the primary election panel. Wike further facilitated Chief Dan’s travel to Bauchi for the exercise, bearing all related expenses.
According to Dogara, “It’s shocking that this so-called ‘transactional’ character called Wike did not place any condition whatsoever for his support.”
Campaign Fund Shortfall and Wike’s Assistance
Dogara further revealed that after Mohammed secured the PDP ticket, it became evident that he lacked the financial resources to run his campaign. Efforts to raise funds—including a fundraiser at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja—yielded only ₦48 million, far below the required amount.
Faced with this financial shortfall, Dogara and two senators sought Wike’s assistance in Port Harcourt. Despite past grievances with Mohammed, Wike provided significant financial support and even facilitated their return to Abuja via a private jet.
“Wike gave us the lifeline we needed to kick-start Bala’s campaigns,” Dogara stated, adding that the former Rivers governor extended additional financial and logistical aid on multiple occasions.
Betrayal and PDP Crisis
Dogara questioned Mohammed’s recent stance against Wike, noting that the governor had previously praised Wike as “courageous, focused, and determined” but had now turned against him.
“With all these, my question to Bala is: what happens to the golden adage that you don’t attempt to break the calabash from which you once sucked honey?” Dogara asked.
He accused Mohammed of being “morally bankrupt” and betraying multiple political allies, including elder statesman Alhaji Bello Kirfi.
Dogara concluded by asserting that Mohammed’s recent attacks on Wike were an attempt to gain political mileage. “Between Wike and Bala, Bala should be told in unequivocal terms that it is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not,” he stated.
The PDP crisis continues to deepen as political heavyweights engage in public confrontations, raising concerns about the party’s unity ahead of future elections.
