Wike-Backed Faction Issues Warning to Bauchi Governor

The deep-seated rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a boiling point in Bauchi State, as a newly inaugurated factional caretaker committee issued a stark warning to Governor Bala Mohammed. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee, which aligns itself with the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, declared that the Governor would be held personally responsible should any “untoward” incident befall its members or supporters.

Led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed and featuring prominent members like Jungudo Haruna Mohammed and Alhaji Safyanu Zubairu, the committee formally accepted its mandate while emphasizing its commitment to the rule of law. However, the group was quick to add that their non-violent stance should not be mistaken for weakness. The factional leaders argued that their authority is derived from the legitimate party constitution and subsisting court orders, contrasting their position with the Kabiru Turaki-led national leadership, which they dismissed as a product of an “illegal” convention in Ibadan.

The dispute highlights the fragmentation of the former opposition giant. The Wike-backed camp remains steadfast in its rejection of the recent national convention, claiming it was conducted in total disregard for judicial rulings and without proper supervision from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They maintain that legitimacy in the PDP cannot be bought through meetings with former governors or ministers but must be rooted in strict constitutional adherence.

The tension on the ground in Bauchi is palpable. The factional committee has already issued a 14-day ultimatum to what it calls the “illegal occupants” of PDP secretariats across the state, demanding they vacate the premises or face “lawful consequences.” This move sets the stage for a potential showdown over the control of party infrastructure as the 2027 electoral cycle begins to loom on the horizon.

Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has previously dismissed the rival group as a “faction of fools,” asserting that the party remains united under its newly elected leadership. With both sides now issuing threats and deadlines, the crisis appears far from over, threatening to further destabilize the party’s footprint in the Northeast.