Bauchi governor reacts to latest twist in PDP crisis
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared that the internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a turning point, insisting that the “hooliganism” allegedly associated with the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come to an end.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the escalating tension within the opposition party, which has been grappling with a deepening leadership struggle in recent weeks.
Context behind Bala Mohammed’s remarks
Governor Bala’s comments come amid a series of dramatic developments that have shaken the PDP nationally. Just days earlier, the Wike-backed faction reportedly took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, a move that has intensified the power tussle between the minister’s loyalists and supporters of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The Bauchi governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has been vocal about the need to restore order and unity within the party. His latest comments suggest growing frustration with what many party leaders describe as attempts by Wike to exert dominance over the PDP despite serving in an APC-led government.
Governor Bala: ‘The PDP will no longer tolerate brigandage’
Speaking candidly, Bala Mohammed accused the Wike faction of engaging in acts that threaten the stability of the party. He described recent actions—including forceful takeovers, confrontational rhetoric, and controversial directives—as “unbecoming, needless, and deeply damaging” to Nigeria’s largest opposition party.
“The era of brigandage, of hooliganism, of reckless power play is over,” he said. “The PDP is a party built on discipline, order, and respect for democratic process. Nobody, no matter how influential, will be allowed to plunge this party into chaos.”
He emphasized that the party’s governors are united in restoring internal cohesion and ensuring that the PDP remains focused on its mission of providing credible opposition and governance alternatives to Nigerians.
Reactions from Wike’s camp
Figures aligned with Wike have dismissed Bala’s comments as exaggerated and politically motivated. A senior official in the faction said the minister and his supporters were merely “standing up against injustice” and pushing for internal reforms that would make the party stronger.
The source accused Bala Mohammed and other PDP governors of shielding the current leadership structure, which they claim has failed to manage internal grievances fairly.
Nonetheless, Wike himself has not issued a direct response, though he has in the past maintained that he remains a committed PDP member despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
A party in need of urgent reconciliation
Party insiders say the tensions reflect deeper issues within the PDP, including unresolved grievances from the 2023 elections, accusations of betrayal, and competing ambitions ahead of the 2027 polls.
With the party’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee expected to meet soon, many hope that a clear position will be established to end the rivalry and refocus the PDP on rebuilding public confidence.
Political observers warn that if left unmanaged, the crisis could weaken the PDP’s effectiveness as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform, potentially altering the political landscape ahead of future elections.
The road ahead for the PDP
Governor Bala Mohammed reiterated that the party must now draw a line and recommit to discipline and unity. “The PDP cannot afford to be distracted,” he said. “This is the time for rebuilding, not fighting. The impunity we saw in recent times cannot continue.”
As stakeholders prepare for crucial meetings in the coming days, Nigerians and party loyalists await signs of whether the opposition party can resolve its differences—or whether the crisis will deepen further
