Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, has accused Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, of being unfit to lead the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum.
He further dismissed Mohammed’s 2027 presidential ambition as “dead on arrival.”
According to Olayinka, “We are done with any object by the name Bala Mohammed. We have better things to do and won’t be available to support a failed 2027 presidential ambition.”
Criticism of Bala Mohammed’s Leadership
In a statement issued on Sunday, Olayinka claimed that Mohammed’s only defense against criticism was the appointment of Barrister Nyesom Wike as a minister.
He described this as a weak excuse for the Bauchi governor’s lack of leadership capabilities as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Olayinka dismissed Mohammed’s remarks about Wike, who was accused of lacking integrity for serving under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government while remaining a member of the PDP.
“Wike is not the first opposition member to serve as a minister in Nigeria, and he certainly won’t be the last,” Olayinka argued.
Historical Context of Opposition Figures in Government
Highlighting instances of cross-party appointments in Nigeria’s political history, Olayinka pointed to late Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Mrs. Modupe Adesanya, and others who served under PDP administrations despite being members of opposition parties.
He noted that Bala Mohammed himself had once resigned as an ANPP Senator to accept a ministerial appointment under the PDP-led government of President Goodluck Jonathan, labeling Mohammed’s criticism as hypocritical.
“Now, the same Bala Mohammed, who abandoned his ANPP mandate for a PDP ministerial position, is criticizing others.
If he were offered a role under the APC government in 2015, he would have gladly accepted it,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka described Mohammed’s political actions as opportunistic, claiming that his defection to the PDP shortly after becoming a minister demonstrated his “anywhere-belly-face” politics.
What do you think about Wike and Bala Mohammed’s feud? Share your opinions below!
Leave a Reply