Title: Northern Coalition Accuses Wike of Political Intimidation, Backs Bala Mohammed Date Published: 07 January 2026 Description: The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of political intimidation and undue interference, declaring its resolve to defend the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition alleged that Wike has repeatedly overstepped the limits of his constitutional responsibilities, engaging in actions it described as incompatible with the principles of federalism and democratic governance.Charanchi said the group was compelled to speak out because Wike’s alleged conduct poses a serious threat to political stability, accountability and the integrity of democratic institutions in the country.According to him, Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been characterised by what he described as persistent encroachments into areas outside his jurisdiction, including interference in party politics and the affairs of state governments.“As a minister, Wike is expected to respect the autonomy of states and uphold the spirit of federalism. Instead, his actions reflect a troubling tendency to intimidate opponents and interfere in political processes beyond his constitutional mandate,” the statement said.The coalition specifically accused Wike of allegedly influencing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Governor Bala Mohammed, describing the move as an abuse of power and a dangerous precedent.CNG further alleged that the EFCC’s response to comments made by Governor Mohammed appeared to be a coordinated defence of Wike, raising concerns about the independence and neutrality of the anti-graft agency.“The EFCC’s dismissal of Governor Mohammed’s claims as ‘wild’ and ‘far-fetched’ is not only dismissive but suggests a worrying pattern in which the commission is being weaponised against political opponents,” the coalition stated.The group warned that no individual holds a monopoly on political power, noting that political excesses often attract consequences over time.CNG also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in the FCT Minister, warning that continued allegations of intimidation and abuse of office could damage the image and credibility of the President’s administration.According to the coalition, public dissatisfaction is growing over what it described as inflammatory utterances and actions by the Minister, which it said undermine democratic values and national cohesion.The group further questioned the EFCC’s repeated claims of institutional independence, arguing that the timing of investigations involving Governor Mohammed raises doubts about the motives behind them.“It is important that political accountability is applied uniformly and not selectively. Anti-corruption efforts must never be reduced to tools of political persecution,” the statement added.The coalition warned that failure to address the alleged excesses could erode public confidence in governance and weaken democratic institutions.CNG urged President Tinubu to take decisive action to prevent what it described as the misuse of power and to safeguard the rule of law.It also called on Nigerians to unite in defence of democracy, urging citizens to reject intimidation, suppression and any actions that threaten democratic ideals.The group further appealed to the EFCC to strictly adhere to its statutory mandate of combating economic and financial crimes without political influence.In addition, the coalition called on civil society organisations, political parties and the general public to remain vigilant in defending democracy, electoral integrity and constitutional governance across the country. Attached Images: 6e5bcf5cd821d7cbcc1f062b4bbe1c3c06eeeb5ffdfd0a7af22b958dc66dd413.jpg Attached Video: None