Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has alleged that Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, played a crucial role in securing the 2018 PDP gubernatorial ticket for Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir.
This revelation surfaces amid an escalating media feud between Senator Bala Mohammed and Nyesom Wike. The conflict has now taken a new turn with the involvement of Yakubu Dogara.
Yakubu Dogara Alleges Wike Funded Bala Mohammed’s Campaign
Yakubu Dogara also claimed that, during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Bala Mohammed received financial support from Wike, who was then the Governor of Rivers State.
In a statement titled ‘Governor Bala vs HE Wike: Let the Truth Be Told’, Dogara asserted, “Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent outbursts against His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, though not entirely surprising, have only served to expand the vistas of ingratitude and treachery based on what I know.”
He further revealed, “I had called Wike to plead with him to help us in Bauchi without disclosing that it was Bala Mohammed we wanted to support. His response was, ‘Are you sure you are in control of the process 100 percent?’ I said I wasn’t too sure. He then told me, ‘Leave it to me, I will help you sort it out.'”
Wike Placed Chief Dan Osi Orbih in Charge of PDP Primaries — Yakubu Dogara
Dogara explained, “To execute the plan, Wike appointed his close ally, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, as Chairman of the Panel for the Primaries. Wike instructed me to discuss everything with Chief Dan. The night before the primaries, Chief Dan was in Benin City, and we needed him in Bauchi. I turned to Wike again, and his response was, ‘My brother, I told you not to worry about this.'”
He continued, “Wike instructed Chief Dan to meet him in Port Harcourt. I followed through, and Wike provided a private jet to fly Chief Dan to Bauchi and back. Without fear of contradiction, I can say Wike covered all expenses for the primaries. It is shocking that this so-called transactional Wike placed no conditions on his support.”
Bala Mohammed Lacked Funds for His Own Campaign — Yakubu Dogara
The former Speaker further alleged, “After Bala Mohammed emerged as the party flag bearer, we realized he had no funds for his campaign, let alone supporting other candidates.”
Dogara expressed his disbelief, “Initially, I thought it was a joke. But as time passed, I realized it was true. Bala Mohammed misled us about his financial capacity.”
He recalled, “We held a meeting at my residence in Wuse 2, Abuja, to raise funds. Since Bala Mohammed had served as Minister for nearly six years, we assumed he had built goodwill. We spent ₦20 million organizing a fundraiser at Lady Kwai Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.”
Fundraiser for Bala Mohammed Was a Failure — Yakubu Dogara
Dogara disclosed, “Before the fundraiser, I asked Bala Mohammed to list some individuals he had assisted as Minister. After calling just four names, their responses jolted me. I knew the fundraiser would flop, so I considered alternatives.”
He added, “We raised a total of ₦48 million. After deducting ₦20 million for organizing the event, we were left with ₦28 million. The records are available, and our stakeholders can verify this.”
Seeking Financial Help from Wike in Port Harcourt — Yakubu Dogara
Yakubu Dogara revealed that, when Bala Mohammed’s financial troubles became evident, he and two serving senators decided to approach Wike for assistance.
“We flew to Port Harcourt with Bala Mohammed without informing Wike. When we arrived, Wike was surprised and asked why I brought Bala to his house without prior notice. I explained that I thought they were friends since they served together under President Jonathan.”
Wike’s Grievances Against Bala Mohammed — Yakubu Dogara
Dogara narrated Wike’s reaction, “Wike told me, ‘When we were Ministers, Bala Mohammed allocated plots of land to all Ministers except me.'”
He continued, “Wike recalled how Bala Mohammed humiliated him when he visited his office for approval to increase floors on a building in Abuja. Bala Mohammed kept him waiting for hours and later sneaked out of the office.”
Dogara quoted Wike, “From that day, I vowed never to have anything to do with him again. If you had told me you were supporting Bala, I would have warned you. But since you are my brother, I will assist you. However, mark my words, you will regret your decision if Bala Mohammed becomes Governor.”
Wike Still Helped Despite Grudges — Yakubu Dogara
Dogara stated, “Wike confronted Bala Mohammed about these issues in our presence. Bala admitted and pleaded for forgiveness.”
He continued, “We spent the night at the Government House. The next morning, Wike directed that his financial assistance be handed over to me for Bala. I suggested Bala collect it himself to avoid any misunderstanding.”
Dogara recounted, “When Bala arrived, Wike’s aide handed him the package. Bala almost kissed the ground in gratitude. Wike provided the lifeline needed to kickstart Bala’s campaign.”
He concluded, “Wike even gave us a private jet to return to Abuja. That was not the only time he assisted Bala with resources and logistics. What remains baffling is that Wike never demanded anything in return for his support. This is not the end of the story, but let’s leave it here for now.”
