Wike Bauchi terrorism claims sparked a heated political exchange on Thursday as Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike traded accusations over alleged terrorism financing. The dispute follows the arraignment of Bauchi’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, by the EFCC over $9.7 million in terrorism financing, with Mohammed’s name cited in the charges.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Mohammed described the allegations as a politically motivated attack. He accused Wike of orchestrating the charges, linking them to an earlier remark by the FCT minister about “putting fire” in Bauchi State. The governor said the claims were baseless and that his family was being unfairly targeted.
“I have written to the Attorney General of the Federation. I’ve copied all the agencies, and I’m going to escalate it to the international community, asking for protection because this is victimisation,” Mohammed said. He also alleged that people around President Bola Tinubu were working against him and accused Wike of undermining the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, calling him an “undertaker” within the party.
Mohammed added that attempts to link him and his relatives to corruption and banditry were part of a deliberate plot to tarnish his reputation. He warned that political intolerance and impunity could have serious consequences for the country, stressing that opposition leaders should not be destroyed for challenging the status quo.
Wike responded swiftly, dismissing the claims as an attempt by Mohammed to deflect from his own political missteps. During a visit to Abua-Odual in Rivers State, he insisted that he had no involvement in Bauchi’s political or legal issues.
“Now EFCC is chasing them, he said it’s me. What’s my business? If your state is clean, go there and enjoy yourself,” Wike said. He added that his disagreements with Mohammed were strictly within party leadership matters and not about governance or finances.
The confrontation highlights rising political tension in Nigeria, underscoring the intersection of party rivalries and law enforcement actions as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
