Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation.
Olayinka criticized Momodu for remarks suggesting that Wike was responsible for pushing the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a forceful statement released on Wednesday, Olayinka accused Momodu of being a “fairweather friend” whose support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was motivated by financial interests.
“Momodu’s comments are all fueled by Atiku paying his bills. If Atiku stops funding him, he will simply move on to his next target,” Olayinka asserted.
He rejected Momodu’s accusation that Wike had driven Obi out of the PDP, calling the claim “groundless.” Olayinka went on to label Momodu’s allegations as the work of someone whose actions were driven by personal gain rather than principle.
Olayinka also criticized Atiku, claiming the former Vice President has been a divisive force within the PDP for years, pointing to his actions in 2003 when he allegedly thwarted the party’s efforts to win Lagos State.
“Atiku has been a destructive influence on the PDP ever since he sabotaged the party’s efforts to win Lagos in 2003,” Olayinka claimed.
The minister’s aide also cast doubt on Atiku’s commitment to supporting a South-East presidential candidate before the 2023 elections. He noted that Atiku had already obtained the PDP’s presidential nomination form before the party’s zoning committee had finalized its recommendations.
Olayinka pointed to the exits of several key PDP figures, including Senator Gbenga Daniel, who was Atiku’s campaign director in 2019, and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, his running mate in 2023, as signs of growing dissatisfaction with Atiku’s leadership.
“Did Wike make Gbenga Daniel leave the PDP two weeks after the 2019 elections? Did Wike force Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa out of the party?” he questioned.
He also highlighted the distancing of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, who led Atiku’s 2023 campaign, and current Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, as further evidence of discontent within the PDP ranks.
“Why is it that everyone who worked with Atiku in 2019 and 2023 is moving away from him? The answer is simple—self-interest,” Olayinka concluded.
As of the time of this report, attempts to reach Dele Momodu and Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, for comment were unsuccessful.
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