Dogara: Wike funded Bauchi Governor’s election
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed surprise over Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed’s verbal attacks on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Dogara finds Mohammed’s criticism surprising, considering that Wike played a significant role in financing and supporting Mohammed’s campaign for governor.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, Dogara explained that he, along with other supporters, were initially shocked by Mohammed’s inability to fund his own gubernatorial bid, despite having served as a former minister. Dogara revealed that Wike not only played a key role in securing Mohammed’s position as the PDP flagbearer in 2018 but also provided substantial financial and logistical support to ensure his victory.
In recent weeks, Wike and Mohammed have been engaged in a public feud, with Mohammed accusing Wike of being a transactional politician motivated solely by personal gain. Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, described Wike as a serial betrayer and suggested that he should leave the PDP and join the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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However, Dogara strongly rebuked these attacks in his statement, titled “Let the Truth Be Told,” asserting that Mohammed’s attacks on Wike reflect ingratitude and betrayal. Dogara revealed his first-hand knowledge of events, stressing that he was not defending Wike, but rather speaking out the truth, regardless of how it might portray Wike.
Dogara recounted how, during the 2018 PDP primaries, there was uncertainty over whether Mohammed would win because his main opponent, Senator Abdul Ningi, had control over the state party structure. At that time, Dogara turned to Wike for assistance, and Wike agreed to help without hesitation, including arranging for the transportation of key party members to Bauchi using a private jet. Dogara emphasized that Wike bore all costs for this effort, without placing any conditions on his support.
The former Speaker further recounted how, after Mohammed emerged as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, he revealed he had no financial resources to fund his campaign. This revelation led Dogara and his team to organize a fundraiser, which only raised a disappointing sum of ₦28 million after expenses. Realizing that they needed further assistance, Dogara and his team approached Wike, who, despite past tensions, agreed to help.
Dogara recalled that upon meeting with Wike in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed his grievances with Mohammed over past interactions when both served as ministers under President Goodluck Jonathan. Wike shared how Mohammed had previously refused to allocate land to him, despite being a fellow minister, and how this had led Wike to vow never to associate with him again. However, Wike agreed to support Mohammed’s campaign, providing both financial assistance and logistical support, including a private jet to transport them back to Abuja.
Dogara concluded by recalling how Wike’s support helped kickstart Mohammed’s campaign. Despite the many times Wike helped without expecting anything in return, Mohammed’s recent criticism of him seemed to reflect a lack of gratitude.
In closing, Dogara pointed out that Mohammed’s history of betrayal is well known, mentioning his strained relationships with several political figures, including his former godfather, Alhaji Bello Kirfi, a respected elder statesman and former Minister under President Shehu Shagari.
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