Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticized Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed for blaming his leadership challenges as PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman on Wike’s appointment as Minister by President Tinubu.
Olayinka dismissed the claim as an attempt to deflect from Mohammed’s shortcomings, urging him to take responsibility for his leadership failures.
In a statement released on January 24, 2025, Olayinka described the governor’s remarks as an attempt to deflect attention from his shortcomings.
“It is ironic that Bala Mohammed, a known fair-weather politician, is accusing someone else of being transactional,” Olayinka said.
He highlighted Mohammed’s political history, accusing him of switching allegiances for personal gain, including his transition from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) to the PDP after securing a ministerial appointment under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Olayinka further questioned how Wike’s role as Minister could hinder Mohammed’s ability to lead the PDP Governors’ Forum effectively.
“Is it because Wike is a Minister that Bala Mohammed has failed to fulfill his responsibilities as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, a position he usurped out of political greed?” Olayinka asked.
He argued that the chairmanship of the Forum traditionally rotates between governors from the North and South, and Mohammed’s assumption of the role was against established practice.
The statement also accused Mohammed of dividing the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) by favoring one faction over the other.
“Rather than uniting the party, Bala Mohammed opted to create division within the PDP, neglecting his duty as a leader,” Olayinka stated.
Highlighting Wike’s contributions to the PDP during challenging times, Olayinka pointed out that the former Rivers State Governor demonstrated exceptional leadership after the party lost power in 2015.
“While Wike was taking bullets for the PDP, Bala Mohammed was probably hiding under the wrapper of his wives,” he remarked.
Olayinka concluded by contrasting Wike’s accomplishments as FCT Minister within a year to Mohammed’s tenure from 2010 to 2015.
“What Bala Mohammed struggled to achieve in five years cannot compare to what Wike has done in just 12 months,” he said.
The statement urged Mohammed to focus on addressing his leadership failures instead of blaming others. “Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum no be by mouth abeg!” Olayinka further stated.