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I’m Not a Coward, I Won’t Join APC — Gov Bala Fires Back Over EFCC Case

Published by admin on January 2nd, 2026.

I’m Not a Coward, I Won’t Join APC — Gov Bala Fires Back Over EFCC Case

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pushed back against allegations of terrorism financing linked to his administration, describing the actions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as politically motivated and aimed at forcing him into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving a Safety Ambassador award from the Safety Institute of Nigeria. He expressed concern that his name was mentioned in court documents despite his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor, calling the move an attempt to tarnish his image for political reasons.

Earlier in the day, the EFCC had arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants are facing multiple charges related to alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and terrorism financing under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Reacting to the development, Mohammed dismissed the allegations, insisting they were part of a wider effort to intimidate opposition figures. He said it was shocking that a sitting governor and opposition leader could be linked to such serious claims, adding that his commissioner remained in custody despite his own immunity from prosecution.

Mohammed accused the federal government of using anti-corruption agencies as tools of political pressure, stressing that he would not abandon his principles or defect to the ruling party to seek protection. He maintained that he had exercised restraint in the interest of peace but would no longer remain silent.

The governor also criticised the federal government for what he described as neglect of state-level development, claiming Bauchi State had received little support in infrastructure and security despite its contributions. He said his administration had continued to fund security operations and invest in healthcare and education, including reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Mohammed pointed to multiple awards received by Bauchi State for governance and development as evidence of his administration’s performance, questioning why such achievements would be met with criminal accusations.

While vowing to resist what he termed political persecution, the governor said he remained open to cooperation with the federal government in the interest of national progress, assuring that his administration would continue to uphold transparency and accountability.