"I Will Not Join APC" Northern Governor Blasts Tinubu Over Anti-People Tax Reforms, Using EFCC and Court For Intimidation

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government over the controversial tax reform laws and the arraignment of Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charge.

Speaking amid rising political tension, Governor Bala expressed shock and anger over what he described as a targeted campaign against him and his administration. “I woke up to an accusation that I’m being accused of terrorism,” the governor said. “My Commissioner of Finance is being held by the EFCC, and my name is being mentioned in the suit even though I have constitutional immunity.”

The Bauchi governor accused the Federal Government of neglecting its responsibilities while allegedly seeking to intimidate opposition figures. He claimed that despite Bauchi State’s challenges, the Federal Government has failed to deliver basic infrastructure. “They have not done one kilometre of road in Bauchi State. They’ve not provided water. Even the security agencies, I’m the one paying them to work for us, and they have the guts to talk,” he stated.

Governor Bala further criticised the Tinubu administration’s tax reform agenda, warning that it would deepen hardship for ordinary Nigerians and weaken state governments. According to him, the reforms are being pushed through despite widespread concerns. “The Federal Government should look at its tax system. In spite of all the impurities, they are still going ahead with it to impoverish the common man and the sub-nationals, and we are keeping quiet,” he said.

Declaring that he would no longer remain silent, the governor rejected any insinuation of fear or compromise. “I have kept quiet for too long. I’m not a coward,” he declared.

In his strongest words yet, Bala Mohammed accused the APC-led Federal Government of weaponising state institutions against political opponents. “They think they can use the courts and the EFCC to persecute and prosecute Nigerians who are not in their party,” he alleged. “If they don’t stop, we are going to declare war.”

He concluded by reaffirming his political stance, vowing not to defect to the ruling party. “I won’t allow anyone to criminalise me because I’m not in the APC and I refuse to join the APC. I will not join the APC.”

The EFCC has yet to officially respond to the governor’s allegations, while the Federal Government has not issued a statement at the time of filing this report. The development is expected to further heighten political tensions amid ongoing debates over tax reforms and federal–state relations.