I won’t defect to APC, allegations are political persecution — Gov Bala

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed allegations linking his administration to terrorism financing, describing the investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as political persecution for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Speaking in Bauchi while receiving a Safety Ambassador award from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, Mohammed said it was troubling that his name appeared in court documents despite enjoying constitutional immunity as a sitting governor.

His comments follow the arraignment of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering and terrorism financing.

They face a 10-count charge under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Mohammed insisted the case is politically driven.

According to him, security and anti-graft agencies are being used to intimidate opposition voices: “This is persecution. They want to force me to join their party. But I am not a coward — I will not defect.”

He accused the Federal Government of neglecting states while weaponising institutions, claiming Bauchi has had to fund key services with little support.

Despite this, he said, the state has improved healthcare, primary education and infrastructure, and has received national recognition for good governance.

Mohammed vowed to resist what he called political intimidation: “If they want peace, we are ready. If they want confrontation, we will also stand our ground.

“I will not allow anyone to criminalise me because I’m not in their party.”

He added, however, that his administration remains open to working with the Federal Government in the interest of national development, while maintaining transparency and accountability.