Dogara explains how Wike aided the Bauchi government in winning the election

Dogara Accuses Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed of Betraying Wike

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has criticized Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing him of betrayal and ingratitude toward Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Dogara’s remarks come amid an escalating feud between Mohammed and Wike, marked by public accusations and counterattacks.

The controversy began when Wike’s media adviser, Lere Olayinka, criticized Mohammed’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, calling his stance misguided. In retaliation, Mohammed labeled Wike a “transactional politician” known for betraying allies and shifting loyalties to suit his interests.

Dogara’s Intervention

Weighing in on the matter, Dogara released a statement on Tuesday titled “Let the Truth Be Told,” detailing Wike’s critical role in Bala Mohammed’s 2019 gubernatorial campaign and accusing the Bauchi governor of betraying his benefactor.

Dogara wrote, “As someone who was deeply involved in the events between the two, I consider staying silent as complicity. This is not about taking sides but about sharing the raw truth I know.”

He recounted how Wike came to Mohammed’s aid during the 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries. At the time, Mohammed faced stiff competition from Senator Abdul Ningi, who controlled the party structure in Bauchi.

“When it became clear that Bala might not win against Ningi, we sought Wike’s help,” Dogara revealed.

Wike’s Role in Mohammed’s Campaign

Dogara further disclosed that after Mohammed won the PDP ticket, his lack of funds for the general election became a significant challenge. A fundraiser held at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja only managed to raise N28 million after expenses—far short of what was needed.

This led the team to turn to Wike again.

“We flew to Port Harcourt to meet Wike, but we didn’t tell him Bala was coming. Initially, Wike was upset, recalling how Bala, as Minister of the FCT, had humiliated him by denying land allocations and ignoring his requests. But after Bala admitted his mistakes and pleaded for forgiveness, Wike forgave him,” Dogara said.

According to Dogara, Wike not only provided funds but also logistical support, including the use of a private jet, to jumpstart Mohammed’s campaign.

Betrayal Allegations

Dogara accused Mohammed of repaying Wike’s generosity with betrayal.

“Wike handed over cash assistance to Bala and even provided a private jet to return us to Abuja. This wasn’t a one-time favor—Wike supported Bala on multiple occasions without asking for anything in return. Yet, Bala has chosen to betray him, confirming Wike’s earlier warning that he would regret supporting Bala,” Dogara stated.

The feud between the two politicians continues to draw attention as accusations of disloyalty and ingratitude dominate the discourse.