Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has criticised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for abruptly changing his stance on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a recent statement, Dogara accused Mohammed of betraying his earlier support for Tinubu and condemned his recent criticisms of the President.
Dogara’s comments come after Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, publicly criticised President Tinubu’s policies.
According to Dogara, Mohammed, who had previously supported Tinubu and sought his assistance during a legal battle, now labels Tinubu as “inept, incompetent, and incapable of running Nigeria.”
This about-face has drawn sharp criticism from Dogara, who views it as a blatant act of political opportunism.
In a press release titled “On Governor Bala Mohammed’s Latest Tirade and Truculent Buffoonery,” Dogara expressed his dismay over Mohammed’s sudden shift in position.
He reminded readers of a time when Mohammed was in court, accused of rigging his way into office, and sought Tinubu’s help.
At that time, Mohammed was effusive in his praise for Tinubu, calling him a remarkable leader despite being the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, the main opposition party in Nigeria.
Dogara pointed out that just months after receiving Tinubu’s support, Mohammed has now turned against the President.
He criticised Mohammed’s actions as ungrateful and opportunistic.
“Just months after PBAT saved him, he has turned around to describe the President as ‘inept, incompetent, and incapable of running Nigeria,’” Dogara said.
He even suggested that if Mohammed continues his criticism, he might be invited to lead the PDP’s 2027 presidential campaigns as a source of embarrassment.
Dogara’s statement also addressed the broader context of Nigeria’s current political climate, noting that the country is experiencing significant challenges.
He emphasised that leaders should focus on addressing the pressing issues of hunger and insecurity rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
“The job of leaders, irrespective of their political affiliation, is to bring this crisis to a responsible end by appealing to governments at all levels to address the legitimate demands of the protesters,” Dogara said.
The former Speaker did not hold back in his criticism of Mohammed’s leadership style and governance.
He accused the governor of failing to provide essential services in Bauchi State, highlighting the lack of functional social amenities and the state’s high number of out-of-school children.
Dogara criticised Mohammed for neglecting key infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, while allegedly focusing on personal luxury, including building a grand government house and an impressive family residence.
Dogara’s release included sharp words about Mohammed’s character and leadership. He described the governor as a “thug” who operates with a “contempt for rules, precedent, order, stability, and national cohesion.”
Dogara claimed that Mohammed’s outbursts and self-praise undermine the credibility of the political class and do not contribute positively to governance.
The former Speaker also reflected on the state of Bauchi under Mohammed’s leadership, noting the deteriorating condition of institutions such as the Bauchi Teachers College, Dogara’s own alma mater, and the general neglect of healthcare facilities.
He called for a reassessment of Mohammed’s governance and questioned the future of the political landscape in Bauchi State.
