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PDP Turmoil: Bala Mohammed Blames Wike for Party’s Ongoing Crisis
Abuja, Nigeria — The internal crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, openly accused Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike of fueling the party’s deepening division through “impunity, arrogance, and transactional politics.”
In a sharp attack that has widened the rift, Mohammed argued that Wike’s actions undermine the party’s unity and long-standing democratic values. According to earlier reports, he described Wike as a politician driven more by personal ambition than party loyalty. (Source:Daily Post)
Widening Rift Between PDP Power Blocks
From left, Bala Muhammad governor of Bauchi and from right Seyi Makinde governor of Oyo state.
The friction between Bala Mohammed and Wike did not start overnight. Tensions have simmered since the 2023 general elections, during which Wike openly opposed several party decisions and later aligned with the APC-led federal government.
Bala Mohammed accused Wike of weaponizing federal influence, destabilizing party structures, and using public platforms to ridicule fellow PDP leaders instead of building consensus. Reports indicate Mohammed criticized Wike’s political style as “loud, emotional, and excessively combative,” arguing that such behavior weakens the opposition. (Source: This day live)
Dramatic Scenes at Abuja Secretariat
The crisis escalated into physical confrontation during a heated PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Eyewitnesses reported that loyalists of the FCT Minister blocked the motorcades of Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, creating a tense standoff at the entrance of the party secretariat. Security operatives later fired tear gas to disperse the crowd after tempers flared.
This dramatic episode marked one of the most chaotic days in recent PDP history, highlighting the extent of mistrust and rivalry between the opposing factions.
Expulsions Deepen the Turmoil
Shortly after the confrontation, a faction of the PDP allegedly aligned with Wike announced the expulsion of Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, and several other senior figures.
The faction claimed the expelled members engaged in “anti-party activities” and repeatedly disobeyed internal disciplinary procedures. Observers, however, believe the expulsions represent a strategic move by Wike to consolidate his influence within the party.
Mohammed, in response, insisted he would not allow his political destiny to be dictated by “a minister whose loyalty to the PDP is questionable.” He vowed to challenge what he described as “a hostile takeover attempt” led by Wike and his associates.
Youth Wing and Party Elders React
While the crisis continues to unfold, the PDP Youth Frontiers Network (PDP-YFN) publicly warned Bala Mohammed to stop undermining the party with aggressive statements or step aside. The youth group accused him of provoking internal tension and damaging the PDP’s national image.
On the other hand, several elder statesmen within the party have called for calm, urging both sides to embrace reconciliation to prevent an irreversible split.
Background: How the PDP Got Here
The roots of PDP’s troubles date back to the contentious 2023 presidential primary.
Wike, after losing the ticket to Atiku Abubakar, accused the party of betrayal and shifted his support elsewhere.
By 2024–2025, the grievances hardened as:
- PDP governors questioned Wike’s allegiance.
- Federal appointments favored Wike’s allies.
- Mediation attempts by party elders failed to unite the factions.
Today’s turbulence is therefore the culmination of unresolved political wounds.
What Happens Next? Three Possible Outcomes
- Reconciliation Through Elders’ Intervention: Party elders could pressure both camps to negotiate a truce, restoring unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Full Party Split: Analysts warn the PDP may fracture into two factions, similar to past splits in Nigeria’s political history, weakening its national relevance.
- Consolidation of Wike’s Dominance: If Wike maintains institutional control, he may become the strongest force in the party, pushing dissenting governors toward alliances elsewhere.
Munam Africa News View
The PDP’s crisis reflects deeper structural and ideological fractures that have long gone unaddressed.
Bala Mohammed and Nyesom Wike represent two competing visions for the party’s future — one centered on collective leadership, and the other on individual political force.
If the PDP fails to resolve this confrontation, Nigeria risks facing national elections without a coherent and credible opposition.
The survival of the PDP now depends on whether its leaders choose unity or allow personal ambitions to tear apart one of Africa’s most enduring political institutions.
