‘Your Father Never Supported Atiku’ — Former VP’s Son Fires Back At Bauchi Governor’s Son
Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar, son of Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has issued a sharp rebuttal to comments made by Shamsu Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, over the latter’s stance on the 2027 presidential race.
Shamsu recently stirred political tension by stating that his father would not support Atiku’s future presidential ambitions. In response, Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar issued a statement in Abuja on Monday, claiming that Governor Bala Mohammed had never truly backed Atiku in his past presidential bids — in 2019 or 2023.
“The only difference now is that Shamsu has removed the mask,” Atiku’s son said, “and now we do not have to worry about the feigned impression of any support from his father.”
Describing Shamsu’s remarks as arrogant and self-important, Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar stressed that his father had never meddled in the political affairs or challenges faced by the Bauchi governor.
“Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans, and he has consistently remained above board,” he said. “Whatever conflicts Governor Bala Mohammed faced during the lead-up to the 2023 elections were strictly local matters and had nothing to do with Atiku.”
He also alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed covertly worked against Atiku’s presidential campaign in 2023, citing a public statement by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a known political rival of Atiku, who accused the Bauchi governor of undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
“Governor Bala’s ambition to run for president affected his leadership of the PDP Governors Forum. He couldn’t command respect or unity among his colleagues,” the statement said, further accusing him of quietly aligning with the Bola Tinubu-led administration despite being a PDP governor.
Concluding his statement, Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar advised Shamsu to focus on promoting constructive political discourse rather than making divisive remarks.
“Every patriotic Nigerian should be focused on building a better nation, not on needless rantings,” he said.
