Tensions Rise: Wike's Fiery Response to Atiku's Zoning Remarks

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, of financially backing former vice president Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Olayinka branded Momodu as a "fairweather friend" who is solely devoted to Atiku for financial reasons, claiming that the media entrepreneur would swiftly forsake the former vice president if the monetary flow stopped.

"We're hearing all of this from him because Atiku is paying his bills." Olayinka stated, "If Atiku stops paying, Oga Dele Momodu will move on to the next victim."

Reacting to Momodu’s recent claim that Wike was responsible for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s withdrawal from the Peoples Democratic Party, Olayinka refuted the assertion, calling it unfounded.

"Only someone like Dele Momodu, who does not have knowledge of anything apart from his stomach, would claim that it was Wike that drove Peter Obi out of the PDP," he told reporters.

Olayinka further accused Atiku of being a divisive character in the PDP, claiming that the former vice president ruined the party's efforts since 2003, including its failed campaign to win Lagos State.

"Atiku has been the weapon fashioned against the PDP since he frustrated the party's efforts to win Lagos State in 2003," he told journalists.

He also questioned Atiku's sincerity in calling for a South-East presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, pointing out that Atiku acquired the PDP's presidential Expression of Interest form before the zoning committee finished its job.

"Dele Momodu claimed Atiku wanted the PDP to field a candidate from the South-East, but conveniently ignored the fact that Atiku had already declared his interest," the senator stated.

Olayinka noted the departure of major PDP stakeholders, including former campaign director Senator Gbenga Daniel and Atiku's 2023 running partner Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as proof of internal displeasure with Atiku's leadership.

"Did Wike force Senator Gbenga Daniel, the Director General of Atiku's 2019 campaign, to resign the PDP only two weeks after the election? Was Wike responsible for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa's departure from the PDP?" he inquired.

He claimed that former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, who led Atiku's 2023 campaign, and his successor, Governor Umo Eno, were both leaving the party.

"The point is, why did everyone who worked closely with Atiku during the 2019 and 2023 elections abandon him afterwards? The only possible explanation is if someone is selfish and just cares about oneself," he added.

Attempts to reach Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, and Dele Momodu for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting this report.

Momodu's line was disconnected, and calls to Ibe went unanswered. Messages sent to both parties were not returned.