2023 Polls: We Planned Against Atiku With Bauchi Gov But He Betrayed Us, Wike Alleges

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has opened up about the internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leading up to the 2023 general election, accusing Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of betrayal. Wike further claimed that some governors elected on the PDP platform were working against the party.

During a live media chat on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, Wike recounted key events that shaped his political stance, particularly during his time as Rivers State governor, where he fought to protect the PDP from internal and external threats.

“When I was governor, I saw the ruling party coming out, using Ali Modu Sheriff to fight and kill the PDP. I stood my ground, saying the PDP must survive. I did not go to the Villa — never,” Wike declared.

When asked about former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claims that the ruling party was fostering divisions within opposition parties, Wike chose not to comment directly, saying, “I don’t want to go into that; it’s El-Rufai’s view. Do I look like someone that does something out of the public?”

Addressing concerns about the PDP’s readiness for the upcoming general elections, Wike expressed skepticism, blaming some governors for the party’s internal struggles.

“See why it would not hold; every governor is working against the party. Let them challenge me, and I will tell them one by one.”

Wike specifically pointed to Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing him of betraying the G5 governors during a critical moment in the political maneuvering for the 2023 elections. Wike recalled a conversation when he and other G5 governors planned to support Bala against Atiku Abubakar.

“Bala Mohammed was having a problem with Atiku and Co. That day, I was going to commission a lounge at the airport; when he landed, I said there was no need to come to town when I was coming to the airport. He called me. Ibrahim Adoke, the former Attorney-General was there. He said Atiku would kill him if Atiku wins and that we must support Asiwaju. We now organised the G5 to go and pay Bala a visit in Bauchi, not knowing that he was using us to settle with Atiku. When we got there, he was happy. The next day, Tambuwal led a team to go and see Bala, and Bala abandoned us.”

Wike concluded, “That’s why I say before you hold some position, you must be a man of character. That’s why I always talk about character.”

In response to speculation about his loyalty to the PDP, Wike reaffirmed that he had no intention of leaving the party.

“If I move to the APC, I’ll tell you when I’m leaving. I don’t run away from fights; I’m not leaving this party o. The governors have money, but they are not spending it on the party.”

Wike also criticized the leadership of Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for failing to assert leadership in the South-East region.

“Look at the Enugu governor who wanted to be the leader of the South-East; in Anambra today, not a single person bought a ticket for the governorship. You cannot bring someone from Anambra to contest, and you say you are a zonal leader,” Wike said.

He added, “I don’t care who likes me. Do you like my work? If yes, that’s fine. Forget about me. The only person that should like me is my wife, and she does.”

Wike also referenced Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was once his supporter but has since distanced himself. “Fubara was once my supporter, has he not changed?” Wike asked.