Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA/BAUCHI, NIGERIA — Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed has launched a blistering public attack on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of acting as a “terrorist” and orchestrating what the governor describes as a politically-motivated prosecution of his administration via the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The allegations came amid ongoing legal proceedings against Bauchi’s Commissioner for Finance over charges of alleged terrorism financing and money laundering — charges that have sparked intense political dispute and public debate.
In a series of statements delivered this week, Governor Bala Mohammed vehemently denied any involvement with terrorism and strongly rejected claims that he or his government had any link to activities that could be construed as supporting terrorism. He described the notion that he is a “terrorist” as both “shocking and absurd,” emphasising his long record of promoting peace, security and community development in Bauchi State and repeatedly asserting that he would never condone criminality of any kind.
The dispute centres on the EFCC’s recent criminal charges against Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, and others, alleging offences including terrorism financing, unlawful cash transactions and conspiracy. The charge sheet, filed in Abuja’s Federal High Court, accuses Adamu and his co-defendants of activities involving large sums of state government funds — allegations that include the provision of cash purportedly for the benefit of a terrorist group. The defendants have pleaded not guilty and have been remanded in custody pending decisions on bail applications.
Governor Mohammed has publicly accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of being the force behind what he calls the harassment of his administration, claiming that Wike is leveraging influence over federal institutions to undermine Bauchi’s government. In his remarks, Bala Mohammed pointed to perceived references to his name in court documents and comments made about his government’s policies, asserting that these instances reflect an effort to politicise law enforcement and damage his reputation.
“These are troubling developments in a democratic society,” the governor said, stressing that his name had been mentioned in a motion before the court despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor. He characterised the situation as a broader pattern of political persecution that goes beyond legitimate anti-corruption efforts.
Bala Mohammed, who also Chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has linked the EFCC’s actions to his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), framing the prosecutions as politically motivated attempts to pressure him and other opposition figures. During an event marking the signing of Bauchi State’s 2026 appropriation bill, he reiterated that he would not bow to such pressures, saying that institutions like the EFCC were being used to target those outside the ruling party.
The governor’s statements have underscored deepening tensions between various political actors in Nigeria, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. His remarks reflect a broader sense of grievance among opposition leaders who argue that anti-graft agencies are being weaponised in political contests, rather than operating strictly as independent enforcers of the law. Critics of the government’s approach say that such perceptions risk eroding public confidence in constitutional institutions.
In response to the charges and the political outcry they have provoked, Bauchi State’s government has itself issued formal complaints, accusing the EFCC of “political witch-hunt” and prosecutorial excess. A petition by the state’s Attorney-General argued that the introduction of terrorism financing allegations was arbitrary and appeared to be designed more to embarrass and intimidate than to advance justice. The state government also contended that no credible evidence had been presented linking Bauchi State officials to identifiable terrorist acts or organisations.
Amid these developments, Governor Bala Mohammed has sought to draw a clear distinction between his record and the allegations, positioning himself as a defender of democratic norms and the rule of law. He emphasised that Bauchi remains peaceful and inclusive under his administration, with cooperation across party lines, and reiterated his commitment to resisting what he described as political persecution.
The escalating rhetorical clash between a prominent opposition governor and a senior federal official illustrates the growing strains within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer. It also highlights enduring debates over the role of anti-corruption agencies, institutional independence, and the intersection of law enforcement with partisan politics. Whether these tensions will translate into legal reforms, judicial review, or shifts in political alliances remains to be seen, but they have already prompted widespread public and media attention.
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