‘We knew he didn’t support my father in 2023’ – Atiku’s Son claps back at Shamsu Bala

Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has fired back at Shamsu Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, over claims that his father will not support Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid.

In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar dismissed Shamsu’s statement, stressing that Governor Bala Mohammed had never supported Atiku in any of his presidential bids, including the 2019 and 2023 elections.

“The only difference now,” Atiku’s son stated, “is that Shamsu has removed the mask and now we do not have to worry about the feigned impression of any support from his father.”

Shamsu had recently stirred controversy after revealing that his father would not back Atiku in the 2027 election, prompting a swift response from the former Vice President’s camp.

Describing Shamsu’s comments as arrogant and overrated, Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar said, “Let it be known to Shamsu that, never has Atiku dissipated an ounce of energy towards his father’s political travails. This is simply because Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans, and he has consistently remained above bar.”

He clarified that any political conflict involving Governor Bala Mohammed during the 2023 elections was entirely local and had nothing to do with Atiku.

He further emphasized that the Bauchi governor never supported Atiku’s presidential aspirations at any point.

Speaking Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged betrayal in 2023, Atiku’s son accused him of secretly working against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, a claim he said was recently confirmed by the FCT Minister and Bala’s political ally, Nyesom Wike.

“It is noteworthy to mention that Governor Bala Mohammed’s presidential ambition is the reason for his poor management of PDP Governors Forum, where he couldn’t command the respect and control of his colleagues,” the statement added.

He also accused the governor of discreetly aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, mentioning that the governor’s political intentions were self-serving.