A political feud has erupted between the sons of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over their fathers’ presidential ambitions, escalating tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The dispute was ignited by a statement from Mohammed Abubakar, Atiku’s son, who accused Governor Mohammed of failing to support his father in both the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Mohammed, who chairs Atiku’s Presidential Support Organisation, further claimed that the governor’s presidential aspirations were contributing to the internal strife within the PDP.
This accusation followed remarks made by Shamsudeen Bala, the son of Governor Mohammed, who declared on Friday that his father would not support Atiku’s presidential bid again. Shamsudeen accused Atiku of undermining his father’s 2023 re-election campaign by aligning with opposition forces and rallying political elites in Bauchi against the governor.
Shamsudeen’s statement suggested that Atiku’s actions in 2023 were a betrayal, claiming, “Even if Atiku wins, there’s nothing he would do for us except settle old scores. He didn’t support us in 2023—he backed the APC candidate and used Bauchi elites to oppose us.”
In response, Mohammed Abubakar fired back on Monday, asserting that Governor Mohammed had been secretly collaborating with the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also dismissed Shamsudeen’s comments as politically motivated and maintained that Atiku’s political focus had never been on personal conflicts.
“Let it be known to Shamsu that Atiku’s politics transcends petty disputes,” Mohammed Abubakar said in a statement. “He has always remained above the fray and never engaged in such shenanigans.”
He also referred to claims made by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who alleged that Governor Mohammed had worked behind the scenes to undermine Atiku’s 2023 presidential bid. Mohammed Abubakar contended that the Bauchi governor’s personal ambitions had undermined his leadership of the PDP Governors’ Forum and caused division within the party.
“As we have all observed, Governor Mohammed’s secret dealings with Tinubu’s government have only served to weaken PDP unity,” he added.
Mohammed Abubakar concluded by urging Shamsudeen to focus on constructive political dialogue rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric, stating, “The focus of every patriotic Nigerian should be on promoting political discourse that moves our country forward—not on needless rantings.”
The escalating spat underscores the continuing rift within the PDP as the 2027 elections approach, with both personal and political ambitions coming to the forefront of party dynamics.
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