BAUCHI —In a blistering show of defiance that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has officially drawn a line in the sand against the President Bola Tinubu administration.
Allegations of Political Victimization – The Governor’s remarks followed the recent arraignment of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges involving an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing scheme. Governor Mohammed characterized the charges as a “fabricated attempt” to criminalize his administration.
“I woke up to see accusations of terrorism, with my name being mentioned despite the constitutional immunity I hold,” the Governor stated. “I have kept quiet for too long, but I am not a coward. I will not allow anyone to criminalize me simply because I refuse to join the APC—and I will never join the APC.”
He further alleged that the federal government is systematically using the judiciary and the EFCC to persecute non-APC politicians while ignoring administrative failures within its own ranks.
Criticism of Federal Tax Reforms – Governor Mohammed emerged as a leading voice against the federal government’s new tax reform laws, which have sparked nationwide debate among the 36 state governors. He warned that the proposed redistribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other fiscal adjustments would “impoverish Nigerians” and deplete the internal revenues of northern states.
The Governor argued that the reforms are being pushed without adequate consultation with sub-national governments, potentially leading to a total collapse of state-level service delivery.
- Infrastructure: He claimed the federal government has failed to initiate or complete significant road or water projects within the state over the last two years.
- Security: The Governor alleged that Bauchi State has been forced to provide the bulk of the funding and logistics for federal security agencies operating within its borders, despite these agencies being under federal control.
Political Implications – The Governor’s defiant stance comes as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempts to consolidate its remaining strongholds ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts suggest that Mohammed’s refusal to defect, despite the ongoing defection of other high-profile governors to the APC, positions him as a central figure in the opposition’s national strategy.
The Presidency has yet to issue a formal response to the Governor’s specific allegations of infrastructure neglect and political persecution.
