A political feud has erupted between the sons of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, reigniting tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Mohammed Abubakar, son of Atiku, accused Governor Bala Mohammed of betraying his father during the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, claiming the governor never truly backed Atiku’s bids.
“At no point has Shamsu’s father ever supported Atiku Abubakar in his political journey,” he said. “On the contrary, Nigerians still remember the ignoble role he played in 2023, when he clandestinely worked against his party’s presidential candidate.”
This was in response to comments made by the governor’s son, Shamsudeen Bala, who had earlier stated that his father would not support Atiku in 2027 due to alleged betrayal.
“Honestly, it would be difficult,” Shamsudeen said. “Because even if he (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 a strongly worded statement, Atiku’s son further accused Governor Mohammed of being the cause of the PDP’s internal strife due to his presidential ambition, and even alleged the governor is “secretly hobnobbing with Tinubu’s government.”
“Let it be known to Shamsu that never has Atiku dissipated an ounce of energy towards his father’s political travails,” he said. “Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans—he has always remained above the fray.”
Mohammed Abubakar cited recent remarks by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as evidence, claiming Wike had exposed Bala Mohammed’s backdoor efforts to undermine Atiku in 2023.
He concluded by calling for political maturity and constructive dialogue, stating: “The focus of every patriotic Nigerian should be on promoting political discourse that moves our country forward—not on needless rantings.”