By Ben Adoga, Abuja
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, of betrayal and ingratitude towards the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a scathing statement titled “Gov Bala Vs. HE Wike: Let The Truth Be Told,” Dogara revealed how Wike, during his tenure as Rivers State governor, provided critical financial and logistical support that enabled Bala Mohammed to secure the Bauchi governorship ticket and win the election in 2019.
Dogara, who played a pivotal role in connecting Bala to Wike, accused the Bauchi Governor of “ingratitude and treachery” and detailed how Wike financed and facilitated Bala’s victory during the 2018 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries and the subsequent election.
*Wike’s role in Bala’s political journey
Dogara recalled the circumstances that led to his seeking Wike’s help during the 2018 PDP primaries.
“Bala faced formidable opposition from Senator Abdul Ningi, who controlled the Bauchi PDP structure and had close allies in strategic party positions. Realizing Bala’s precarious position, Dogara turned to Wike for support, knowing the Rivers governor had significant influence within the PDP.
“I called Wike to plead with him to help us in Bauchi without revealing that it was Bala Mohammed we wanted to be delivered. Wike asked if I was confident of controlling the process, and when I expressed uncertainty, he assured me he would handle it,” Dogara wrote.
According to Dogara, Wike instructed Chief Dan Orbih to take charge of the process.
To ensure Bala’s victory, Wike even provided a private jet to fly Orbih into and out of Bauchi for the assignment.
“Wike bore all expenses for the exercise, and what’s shocking is that he placed no conditions on his support,” Dogara added.
*Says FCT minister financed Bala’s election
Dogara highlighted Wike’s financial contribution to Bala’s governorship campaign.
“After Bala secured the PDP ticket, it became apparent that he lacked the resources to fund his campaign. Initially, I thought it was a joke, but I soon realised Bala had lied about his financial capacity,” Dogara revealed.
A fundraiser was organised at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja to raise funds.
However, the event failed, generating only ₦48m, excluding the deduction of ₦20m in expenses.
“This amount was grossly inadequate, and it became clear that we needed external assistance,” Dogara explained.
Faced with this financial crisis, Dogara turned to Wike once again. Accompanied by Bala, he flew to Port Harcourt to seek the Rivers governor’s help.
“Despite initially expressing displeasure over Bala’s past actions, Wike agreed to provide substantial financial assistance. Wike handed over a package of cash to Bala and even provided a private jet to fly us back to Abuja. This lifeline enabled us to kick-start Bala’s campaign,” Dogara stated.
*A troubled meeting
Dogara recounted the tension that marked their meeting with Wike in Port Harcourt. As FCT Minister, Bala allegedly snubbed Wike multiple times, refusing to assist him when he sought help.
This history of strained relations was evident when Wike’s demeanour changed upon seeing Bala.
Dogara quoted Wike as saying, “I wish you had told me it was Bala you were rooting for. But whatever you want, I will assist you because I don’t say no to a brother. However, I assure you, you will regret your decision if Bala Mohammed becomes governor.”
Despite his reservations, Wike extended his support, demonstrating what Dogara described as “unconditional generosity.”
Bala, in turn, admitted his past mistakes, apologised, and begged forgiveness.
*Bala’s alleged betrayal
Dogara expressed outrage at Bala’s decision to turn against Wike, describing it as a betrayal of friendship and trust.
He accused Bala of biting the hand that fed him and of harbouring delusions of grandeur.
“When Wike was his benefactor, Bala called him courageous, focused, and competent to salvage Nigeria. Now that Wike has cut off the benefits, he calls him a transactional politician,” Dogara said.
The former Speaker went further, labelling Bala as false to his friends.
“For those who know Bala too well, there is no debate about his moral bankruptcy. He cannot recognise the truth, whether in his private or political life,” Dogara declared.
Dogara accused Bala of a consistent pattern of betrayal, pointing to his fallout with prominent Bauchi elders, including Alhaji Bello Kirfi, a respected elder statesman.
“Bala has betrayed those who stood by him in his desperate need. His actions reveal a man who lacks loyalty and integrity,” Dogara said.
Dogara argued that Bala’s recent criticism of Wike was a calculated move to gain relevance and portray himself as a victim.
“He believes Wike is now vulnerable and is punching hard to appropriate the glory from any perceived victory. This behaviour is both ludicrous and desperate,” Dogara added.
While Dogara refrained from fully endorsing Wike, he acknowledged the FCT Minister’s contributions to Bala’s political journey.
“Wike’s generosity during the 2018 primaries and the general election was unparalleled. He provided financial and logistical support without demanding anything in return,” Dogara wrote.
*‘I don’t give a damn if the truth makes ex-Rivers governor look good’
He also commended Wike’s leadership qualities, describing him as courageous, focused, and determined.
“Wike’s actions during that period demonstrated a level of selflessness rarely seen in politics,” Dogara noted.
He added, “I have learned enough over the years to know beyond reasonable doubt that in the face of situations like this, if I choose to prioritise my comfort, I will fail the victim and fail myself. This is because injustice itself is a festering wound; it only grows worse when brushed aside.
“As someone who knows so much because I was the provocateur of the events between the two that I will speak to, I consider my silence not just cowardice but complicity. Therefore, I am not afraid to stand alone or risk conflict.
“I should not be misunderstood to be defending Wike, but simply state the raw truth that I know, and I don’t care if the truth makes Wike look good. I have learnt to tell the truth as I enjoy my freedom from being a slave to human opinion.”
Dogara concluded his article with a call for introspection, urging Bala to reflect on his actions and mend fences with those he has wronged.
“True freedom does not insist on harming others, especially those who stood by you in your time of need. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” he said.
