Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately undermining the PDP, describing him as an “undertaker” being used to destroy Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Mohammed made the remarks during an interview on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television while responding to questions on the PDP’s internal crisis.

Speaking on widespread defections and leadership confusion within the party, the governor said the PDP’s image has suffered greatly with prospective members questioning the party’s structure and direction.

He acknowledged public concerns over whether the PDP still functions effectively particularly amid disputes over the office of the National Secretary and unresolved court cases affecting party leadership.

Mohammed alleged that Wike’s actions were creating negative perceptions locally and internationally, insisting that Nigerians “of intellect” and the global community could not be deceived.

While expressing personal respect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as “the symbol of opportunity” and “the lion of Lagos,” Mohammed warned that allowing one individual to weaken the opposition undermines democratic principles.

He questioned Wike’s participation in ruling party activities despite his PDP affiliation saying it sends the wrong signal about Nigeria’s democracy.

On the legal disputes rocking the PDP, Mohammed said the party remains confident in the judiciary, noting that resolutions reached at its convention are already before the courts.

He expressed hope that the judiciary would protect democracy and prevent the erosion of multiparty politics, stressing that intolerance for opposition parties threatens explaining Nigeria’s democratic credentials to the world.

The governor concluded by urging President Tinubu to allow opposition parties to function freely, arguing that while coalitions and alliances are legitimate, deliberately weakening an opposition party is dangerous for democracy. “We are not China,” he said, emphasizing that Nigeria must preserve a competitive multiparty system.