Former Speaker Dogara Blasts Bala Mohammed for Betraying Wike’s Generosity

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has publicly exposed the crucial role played by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the emergence of Bala Mohammed as the Governor of Bauchi State in 2023.

Dogara, in a candid open letter titled “Gov. Bala vs Wike: Let the Truth Be Told,” shed light on how Wike—then Governor of Rivers State—went above and beyond to ensure Mohammed clinched the PDP gubernatorial ticket and had the necessary financial support to run a successful campaign.

Dogara expressed his astonishment at Mohammed’s recent attacks on Wike, emphasizing that such behavior was consistent with Mohammed’s history of ingratitude and betrayal. He recounted events leading up to the 2018 PDP gubernatorial primaries, where Wike’s help was pivotal in Mohammed’s political success.

At the time, Dogara revealed that, unsure of Mohammed’s chances against his formidable opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi, who controlled the party structure in Bauchi, he turned to Wike for assistance. Wike assured Dogara of his support, appointing his close ally, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, to chair the primary election panel. Wike went further, providing a private jet to transport Orbih to Bauchi and covering all associated costs.

Despite being portrayed as a “transactional politician,” Dogara stressed that Wike provided unwavering support to Mohammed without attaching any conditions, something that was later shockingly disregarded by the beneficiary.

As the campaign progressed, Dogara disclosed that it became clear that Mohammed lacked the financial capacity to fund his own campaign, let alone assist other party candidates. Dogara recounted the fundraising effort that barely raised N48 million, and after expenses, only N28 million was available.

In the face of this shortfall, Dogara and his team turned once again to Wike for help. During a visit to Port Harcourt, Wike expressed his grievances about Mohammed’s past actions, including an alleged slight when they served together as ministers under President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these tensions, Wike agreed to provide substantial financial assistance.

Wike’s generosity extended further, as he not only provided the necessary funds but also sent a private jet to ensure the campaign’s logistics were handled smoothly. Dogara revealed that, during their meeting, Wike confronted Mohammed about past grievances, and Mohammed humbly apologized, vowing to change his ways.

Dogara recounted how Wike’s support, both in terms of money and logistics, was indispensable for the campaign. Wike provided resources without asking for anything in return, further emphasizing the unselfish nature of his involvement in Mohammed’s political ascent.

“Wike didn’t place any conditions for all that he did,” Dogara remarked, expressing his disbelief at how Mohammed, despite receiving so much aid, turned against Wike after his success.

This exposé from Dogara offers a glimpse into the complex political dynamics within the PDP, underscoring Wike’s significant yet often unacknowledged contributions to Mohammed’s political rise, and raises questions about loyalty and gratitude in Nigerian politics.