“We Will Declare War”—Governor Bala Mohammed Spits Fire Over Tinubu’s ‘Incessant’ Arrest of Opposition Leaders

In what is being described as his most explosive confrontation with the Presidency to date, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, has warned of an all-out political “war” if the President Bola Tinubu administration continues its “random and incessant” arrests of opposition figures.

Addressing a charged crowd of supporters and party stakeholders in Bauchi on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Governor accused the Federal Government of using the EFCC and other security agencies as “political debt collectors” to coerce opposition leaders into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“No Amount of Intimidation”

Governor Mohammed, who has remained a vocal critic of the administration’s economic policies, was unequivocal in his refusal to bow to federal pressure. He revealed that despite several “clandestine overtures” and threats of legal action, he has no intention of abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“If they continue with this random and incessant arrest of our leaders, we will have no choice but to declare war,” Mohammed thundered. “They are using the EFCC to harass anyone who refuses to join their party. Let me say it clearly: no amount of intimidation, no amount of blackmail, and no amount of ‘file-opening’ will make me join the APC. We will meet them on the field in 2027.”

The Governor’s outburst follows the recent high-profile detention of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the N189 billion EFCC probe involving Senator Aminu Tambuwal. Mohammed argued that the Presidency is systematically “decapitating” the opposition to ensure a smooth, unchallenged run for a second term.

“They want a one-party state where nobody can question why a bag of rice is N100,000,” he added. “But Bauchi is not for sale, and the PDP is not for surrender.”

“The Activism of the Threatened”—Nigerians Fire Back

While the Governor’s “war cry” has rallied his base, it has also drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who are weary of the elite’s “theatrical” battles.

• “Accountability is Not War”: Critics on social media have blasted the Governor, arguing that “declaring war” is an overreaction to legitimate financial probes. “If your hands are clean, why are you talking about war?” one popular analyst on X (formerly Twitter) queried. “The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without governors hiding under ‘political harassment’ as a shield.”
• “Selective Bravery”: Many Nigerians pointed out the irony of the Governor’s stance. “Where was this ‘war’ when the masses were protesting against hunger? Now that the EFCC is knocking on their doors, they have found their voices,” noted a resident of Bauchi.
• “Focus on Governance”: Nigerians expressed frustration that governors are already talking about 2027 “war” while their states grapple with insecurity and poverty. “Bala Mohammed should focus on the bandits in the Ningi axis instead of fighting a proxy war with Abuja over party politics,” another citizen remarked.

Aso Rock’s Stance

The Presidency has traditionally dismissed such allegations as “noise from those with skeletons in their cupboards.” However, with the Electoral Act now signed into law and opposition leaders forming a “Mega Party” coalition, the political temperature is rising to dangerous levels.

As of Wednesday night, the APC National Secretariat has not issued a formal response to the Governor’s “war” threat. But for the people of Bauchi and beyond, the message is clear: the road to 2027 will not be paved with “Renewed Hope,” but with a “Roforofo” fight for survival.