Dogara Exposes Wike’s Role in Funding Bala Mohammed’s 2018 Governorship Campaign

Former Speaker Dogara reveals how Nyesom Wike financially supported Bala Mohammed’s 2018 governorship campaign in Bauchi. Dive into the details of this political revelation and its implications.

Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, disclosed that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, played a crucial role in supporting Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s gubernatorial campaign in 2018.

Dogara accused Mohammed of betrayal, even though Wike had provided significant financial and logistical support.

Dogara indicated that Mohammed had little chance of winning the primaries because Senator Abdul Ningi dominated the party structure in Bauchi.

He mentioned that Wike guaranteed him complete support and designated his associate, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, as the chairman of the primary panel.

Wike reportedly arranged for a private jet to fly Orbih to Bauchi and took care of all campaign expenses without imposing any conditions. Dogara additionally alleged that Bala Mohammed did not have the financial means to support his campaign after obtaining the party’s nomination.

The former Speaker disclosed that a fundraising event held at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja generated only N48 million, resulting in the team being left without sufficient funds.

In urgent need of funds, Dogara mentioned that he led a delegation to Port Harcourt, where Wike once again came to their aid.

During the visit, Wike reportedly conveyed his dissatisfaction with Bala Mohammed, referencing past grievances such as alleged mistreatment during their tenure as ministers under President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Turaki Hassan, the former Speaker revealed that despite any grievances, Wike offered financial support and even provided a private jet to assist Bala Mohammed’s campaign.

Dogara disclosed that Bala Mohammed had knelt before Wike to receive the funds, promising to change his ways. He added that Wike’s unconditional support played a crucial role in Bala Mohammed’s eventual victory.

“Wike covered all expenses, including arranging a private jet to fly Chief Dan to Bauchi and personally ensuring Mohammed’s selection as the PDP’s candidate,” Dogara disclosed.

“It’s surprising that Bala Mohammed, who lacked the financial resources for his campaign, now has the nerve to label Wike as ‘transactional,’” he added.

The former Speaker labeled Bala Mohammed as a “psychopath” and a “chronic betrayer,” accusing him of betraying his benefactor Wike, along with others like the esteemed elder statesman Alhaji Bello Kirfi.

He criticized Mohammed for calling Wike a “transactional politician” despite having greatly benefited from his generosity.

According to Platinumpost, there has been a conflict between the FCT Minister and the Governor of Bauchi regarding the leadership crisis within the PDP.

Mohammed had accused Wike of betraying the PDP by collaborating with the All Progressive Congress (APC) and called for his resignation.

However, Wike responded by labeling Mohammed a hypocrite, highlighting that he had previously moved from the All Nigeria Peoples Party to the PDP while enjoying advantages under a PDP-led government.

The conflict between the pair is also linked to the crisis in Rivers State.

It is believed that Wike is displeased with Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, for supporting Siminalayi Fubara—Wike’s successor in Rivers State—in their ongoing conflict.