Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the ongoing internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, made this claim during a press briefing after a meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday.
Governor Mohammed expressed concern over the intensifying feud between the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaye Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, stating that the APC had infiltrated PDP-controlled states to create discord. He particularly noted that the power struggle within the party in Rivers State had been aggravated by external forces planted by the APC.
“The entire incident is the creation of the other side. They want us to be in disarray. It is the creation of the APC that always wants to have moles within us,” Mohammed said. He further accused the APC of attempting to destabilize the PDP, remarking, “They want to have knowledge of what is going on, and you can see even the Wike that is working for APC is a PDP man who is performing very well. They don’t have people who will perform like our members, so they chose to pick him and give him state structure to run.”
Despite the challenges, Governor Mohammed expressed optimism that the crisis within the PDP could be resolved. “There is no challenge that is insurmountable,” he added. “We will bring every aggrieved entity or person together, and we, as governors, will try to minimize rancor and division within the party.”
The governor also emphasized the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution, calling for justice and equity in decision-making processes within the PDP. “In a democracy like ours, we cannot dictate. The National Working Committee (NWC) is the party’s major administrative organ, and we must get it right by respecting our constitution and its provisions,” Mohammed stated.
During the meeting, the PDP BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, praised Governor Mohammed for his efforts in resolving the party’s crisis and reiterated the BoT’s support in addressing the challenges. Wabara expressed concern about the internal issues within the NWC and the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, noting that the BoT is planning to hold separate meetings with both parties involved in the dispute.
“We are engaging both the contending parties with a view to resolving the lingering issues,” Wabara stated, assuring party members that efforts are being made to restore unity and stability within the PDP.
The internal crisis in the PDP has raised concerns about the party’s future, particularly as it seeks to maintain its relevance in the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections. However, with continued dialogue and mediation, both the PDP Governors’ Forum and the BoT remain hopeful that the party can overcome these challenges.