A staunch supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken aim at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over comments she described as disrespectful and unbecoming of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader.
Dr. Aslam Aliyu, popularly known as Gimbiyar Kauran Namoda and a prominent political figure from Zamfara State, issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, criticising Governor Mohammed for what she called a reckless attack on Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
According to Aliyu, Atiku’s stature in Nigerian politics should not be underestimated or dismissed.
“Atiku Abubakar is not a politician to be undermined by mere political officeholders whose relevance remains confined to their states,” she said.
She highlighted Atiku’s long-standing influence in Nigerian politics since 1999, citing his tenure as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, his foundational role in the PDP, and his consistency on the national political stage.
Aliyu accused Governor Mohammed of displaying a lack of political maturity by attempting to diminish Atiku’s significance in the party.
“For a governor who owes his platform to the PDP’s legacy to belittle one of its founding pillars is not just ungrateful—it is dangerous,” she warned.
Aliyu also weighed in on the internal dynamics of the PDP, stating that after Atiku, Senator Aminu Tambuwal should be recognised as a key figure within the party.
“He demonstrated a spirit of sportsmanship by stepping down for Atiku in 2023 for the sake of northern development,” she said.
Turning to recent crises within the PDP, Aliyu questioned Governor Mohammed’s silence during the prolonged leadership conflict between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State.
“If he wants to end the crisis in the PDP, he should first resolve the one in his own state, Bauchi, and also reinstate the Rivers State Governor, Fubara, who is currently suspended,” she added.
Aliyu urged the Bauchi governor to embrace humility, warning that inflammatory statements could fracture the party further.
“The PDP stands today because of the loyalty, sacrifice, and vision of men like Atiku Abubakar,” she stated, calling for mutual respect among party leaders to preserve its future.
