PDP Crisis: Bauchi Gov, Wike Still Friends – Ex-Party Chairman Replies Dogara

Amid the ongoing PDP crisis, the former party chairman clarifies that Bauchi Governor and Wike maintain their friendship, countering Dogara’s claims.

Alhaji Hamza Koshe Akuyam, former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State, has dismissed former Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s recent comments on the relationship between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as “inconsistencies and falsehoods.”

Akuyam stated that Dogara’s assertion that Wike influenced the appointment of Chief Dan Orbih to oversee the 2018 Bauchi governorship primaries in favor of Bala Mohammed is misleading. He clarified that while Dogara and he had met with Orbih at Wike’s residence during consultations ahead of the primaries, Bala Mohammed was not present. Akuyam challenged Dogara to provide evidence to counter his account.

Friendship and Principles

Akuyam emphasized that Governor Bala Mohammed has always regarded Wike as a friend and demonstrated this through his actions. He cited examples, including Mohammed’s initial participation in the G6 movement led by Wike and his efforts to protect Wike’s interests during PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. However, Akuyam noted that Mohammed eventually distanced himself from Wike’s agenda when it diverged from the party’s broader goals.

He also highlighted Mohammed’s principled stance on upholding the constitution and party conventions, even when it meant disagreeing with Wike. Akuyam argued that the current disagreement between Mohammed and Wike stems from a clash between personal friendship and constitutional integrity, rather than ingratitude, as Dogara suggested.

Criticism of Dogara’s Narrative

Akuyam criticized Dogara for distorting the facts and ignoring the substantive issues at hand. He pointed out that Dogara’s claims about Mohammed’s reliance on Wike for electoral success were unfounded, given Dogara’s own political setbacks, including his failure to secure an APC nomination despite his influence.

Akuyam also reminded Dogara of the support he received from Bala Mohammed and the PDP after being ousted from the APC by former Governor Mohammed Abubakar. He recounted how Mohammed facilitated a consensus arrangement to secure Dogara’s ticket, demonstrating the governor’s commitment to unity and collaboration within the party.

Akuyam reiterated that Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to strong institutions and constitutional principles is what sets him apart. He dismissed Dogara’s claims as baseless and urged the public to focus on the substantive issues rather than personal attacks.