Politics
Political Witch-Hunt or Genuine Probe? The Battle Over Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed
By Joy Musa
Nigeria’s political landscape has once again been rocked by allegations and counter-allegations, with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed at the center of a growing controversy. The accusations of corruption, particularly the claim that the Accountant General of Bauchi State was involved in a fraudulent ₦70 billion scheme, have fueled heated debates.
Supporters of the governor, particularly within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), argue that this is a politically motivated attack orchestrated by President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition in northern Nigeria. The PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum has accused key figures like Nyesom Wike and Tinubu of using state institutions to discredit Governor Bala Mohammed ahead of future elections.
The Allegations: Political Tactic or Genuine Investigation?
The claim that Bauchi’s Accountant General embezzled ₦70 billion has been widely reported, but many observers have questioned the timing of these allegations. With Nigeria’s highly polarized political environment, opposition leaders frequently face corruption accusations, often perceived as tactics to suppress dissent.
Governor Bala Mohammed has been an outspoken critic of the Tinubu-led administration, making the PDP question whether this probe is a genuine anti-corruption effort or a calculated move to destabilize the party in a region where it maintains significant influence.
PDP’s Defense and Allegations Against APC
The PDP has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them a smear campaign designed to damage Governor Mohammed’s credibility. Party officials insist that while corruption must be addressed, accusations should be based on concrete evidence rather than political vendettas.
Governor Mohammed has denied any wrongdoing, with his supporters arguing that the APC-led government is systematically targeting opposition strongholds like Bauchi, Kano, and Kaduna to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum has urged its members to stand firm, arguing that this is not just an attack on one individual but an attempt to dismantle the party’s influence in the north.
The Role of the Media: Reporting Facts or Fueling Political Games?
As the controversy unfolds, the media’s role in shaping public perception has come under scrutiny. While corruption allegations must be investigated, there is growing concern that biased reporting could be used to manipulate public opinion and discredit political figures unfairly.
The PDP insists that Nigerians should question the motives behind these claims: Are they based on genuine evidence, or are they part of a larger strategy to silence opposition voices?
Accountability vs. Political Persecution
While corruption investigations are essential for good governance, the Nigerian public has seen too many politically motivated probes aimed at silencing opposition leaders. If the allegations against Governor Bala Mohammed are legitimate, they should be investigated transparently and fairly, free from political interference.
However, if these claims are merely a tactic to settle political scores, Nigerians must remain vigilant against such maneuvers. The fight against corruption should serve the interests of the people, not be weaponized to suppress political opponents.
As tensions rise, the battle over Governor Bala Mohammed’s reputation is shaping up to be another defining moment in Nigeria’s political power struggle. Whether this is a genuine anti-corruption effort or a calculated witch-hunt, one thing is certain—Nigeria’s democracy remains deeply entangled in the politics of survival.
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, has called for a peaceful, respectful and issue-based political campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the interest of Gombe State must remain above personal and political differences.
Dr. Gwamna made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, where he emphasized that his campaign would focus on solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than engaging in insults, personal attacks or divisive politics.
According to the APC governorship flag bearer, the people of Gombe State deserve a campaign centred on ideas, policies and practical programmes capable of improving their lives.
“From the very beginning, I made it clear that I will run an issues-based campaign. I have no interest in politics of insults, personal attacks, or needless distractions,” Dr. Gwamna stated.
He noted that the guiding philosophy of his campaign remains “Gombe Above All,” stressing that every policy and programme under his administration would be designed to promote unity, development and prosperity for all citizens.
Dr. Gwamna disclosed that his campaign would focus on critical sectors such as job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
He also urged the people of Gombe State to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is contesting for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat, as well as other APC candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives.
The APC candidate described the achievements of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration as clear evidence of the party’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development in Gombe State.
“Our campaign is equally committed to consolidating the remarkable achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya while introducing fresh ideas, innovative policies and strategic initiatives that will accelerate growth,” he said.
Dr. Gwamna further revealed that a comprehensive development blueprint for Gombe State would be unveiled once campaigns for governorship and State Assembly positions officially commence.
The blueprint, he explained, would be anchored on the principles of Continuity, Sustainability and Consolidation, aimed at building on the successes of the current administration while introducing practical solutions to create more opportunities, improve living standards and ensure that development reaches all parts of the state.
He expressed confidence that Gombe possesses the human and natural resources needed to emerge as one of Africa’s leading sub-national economies through visionary leadership, disciplined governance and collective efforts.
Dr. Gwamna therefore called on political actors, supporters and citizens across party lines to maintain peace and uphold the values of mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
Political observers say the APC candidate’s emphasis on issue-based politics could set a new tone for campaigns in Gombe State, where citizens are increasingly demanding policies and programmes that directly address their socio-economic needs.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
By Our Political Reporter
The North West Zonal Chapter of the pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) movement, APC Akida, has elected its zonal executive council and pledged to mobilise support across the seven states of the North West for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at a strategic zonal meeting held in Kano, which brought together stakeholders, leaders and coordinators of the movement from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi States.
Kano, regarded as a major political hub of the North West, hosted the inaugural zonal meeting, where members deliberated on the future of the APC in the region and strategies for consolidating grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a resolution adopted at the end of the meeting, APC Akida reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the ideals and programmes of the APC, expanding its grassroots structure and mobilising support for what it described as the total victory of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.
The movement also constituted a full zonal leadership structure mandated to coordinate its activities and mobilisation efforts across the seven states of the North West.
Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The elected officials are:
– Zonal Chairman: Alhaji Dahiru Aliyu — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Chairman: Hon. AbdulAziz Salisu Danfaga — Jigawa
– Zonal Coordinator: Atiku Abubakar Faru — Zamfara
– Deputy Zonal Coordinator: Zayyanu Aliyu Magatakadda Wamakko — Sokoto
– Zonal Secretary: Bashir Malami — Zamfara
– Assistant Zonal Secretary: Hajiya Amina Lawal — Kaduna
– Zonal Treasurer: Dahiru Mani — Katsina
– Assistant Treasurer: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Financial Secretary: Yahaya Muhammad — Zamfara
– Deputy Financial Secretary: Abubakar Sardauna — Jigawa
– Organising Secretary: Alhaji Bala Usman — Kano
– Assistant Organising Secretary: Ahamad Baba
– Publicity Secretary: Dalhatu Musa Dadin Kowa — Katsina
– Public Relations Officer: Rabi’u Daushe — Kano
– PRO II: Binta Sani — Katsina
– Director of Media I: Salisu Zango
– Director of Media II: Husaini Sani Babangida — Kaduna
– Welfare Officer: Yahaya Bello — Kebbi
– Assistant Welfare Officer: Aisha Lawal — Jigawa
– Auditor: Mahmud Aminu Baura — Kano
– Legal Adviser: Bashir Mu’azu Jodi, Esq. — Sokoto
– Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Saleh Usman — Jigawa
– Deputy Zonal Women Leader: Fatima Musa — Kaduna
– Zonal Youth Leader: Alhaji Mukhtar Isa — Katsina
– Deputy Zonal Youth Leader: AbdurRahman Salihu — Kebbi
– Mobilisation Leader: Alhaji Ahmadu Dan’fulani Gobirawa — Kano
– Special Adviser: Hamza Umar Leko — Kano
– Liaising Officer: Victor Isa
– Ex-Officio I: Abubakar Dawaki — Kano
– Ex-Officio II: Muhammed Bello Dahiru — Kaduna
Speaking after the meeting, the leadership said the newly elected executives had been mandated to immediately commence grassroots mobilisation, political sensitisation and reconciliation efforts across the North West.
The group said the move was aimed at strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure, fostering unity among party supporters and building a formidable political network ahead of the 2027 general elections.
APC Akida further described the North West as a strategic political base for the APC and expressed confidence that its newly constituted zonal structure would help mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the region.
The movement said it would continue engaging stakeholders, party supporters and grassroots communities across the seven states as part of its campaign to consolidate support for the Tinubu-Shettima administration ahead of 2027.
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