Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has openly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists for threatening the success of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Wike and his allies, operating under the platform Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, had on Monday night in Abuja demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi, Anambra, and Ekiti states.

According to them, unresolved disputes in those states must be addressed before the convention to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

Reading the communique of their meeting, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said the party must be guided by justice, inclusivity, and respect for judicial decisions.

He warned that ignoring their demands could invalidate the convention and disenfranchise genuine members.

“We remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment—a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity,” the communique read.

The meeting was attended by Wike, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ayo Fayose, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Ortom, alongside House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and several serving and former lawmakers.

But in a swift reaction on Tuesday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Bala Mohammed challenged Wike and his group, daring them to create a faction if they wished.

“If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him. We are not cowards and we are not afraid of any person,” he said while inaugurating the PDP National Convention Organising Committee.

Mohammed emphasised that while consensus and accommodation are key principles, they should not be mistaken for weakness.

“We can’t keep quiet and allow people to continue to take us to the slaughterhouse or take us for granted. Enough is enough,” he declared.

The Bauchi governor insisted that the Ibadan convention remains sacrosanct, dismissing fears that it could be derailed by internal disputes.