Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of destabilising Nigerias political space and undermining democracy as the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party deepens.

Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat on Tuesday, Bala said Wike’s actions were causing widespread disorder within the party and creating unnecessary tension in the countrys politics.

“What is happening is the handiwork of one man called Wike who believes he can pollute the political space with gangsterism and hooliganism,” he said. “In doing so, he is not even helping the current administration.”

Trouble broke out at the PDP headquarters earlier in the day when the Abdulrahman Mohammed led faction of the National Working Committee which is loyal to Wike took over the secretariat ahead of its planned NEC and Board of Trustees meetings.

At the same time, the Taminu Turaki led NWC which was elected at the controversial national convention in Ibadan last Saturday had also scheduled its inaugural meeting for 10:00 a.m. at the same venue, leading to a clash between the two groups.

Bala, who arrived at the secretariat with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accused Wike of working with the All Progressives Congress to weaken the PDP.

“He should leave us alone. This is the end of his hooliganism,” he said. “Ask him. Is he not working with the APC? Is it moral for him to work with the APC and still try to destroy us”

The Bauchi governor insisted that the Turaki led executive remains the authentic leadership of the party. He said the names of the elected officers had already been submitted to INEC, adding that the commission recognises them.

“They are driven by arrogance and impunity. We are guided by the law,” he said. “INEC does not owe any party attendance at its convention. Have you seen the APC conducting a new convention recently? No, because their leaders are already recognised by INEC.”

[NAN]