Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu over comments regarding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s zoning controversies.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Olayinka accused Momodu of being financially motivated in his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, labeling him a “fairweather friend” who would abandon Atiku if funding stopped.
“We’re hearing all this noise because Atiku is paying his bills,” Olayinka said.
“If Atiku stops, Dele Momodu will move to his next sponsor.”
Olayinka dismissed Momodu’s claim that Wike was responsible for Peter Obi’s exit from the PDP as baseless, saying, “Only someone like Dele Momodu, who knows nothing beyond his own interests, would make such a claim.”
He further criticized Atiku’s leadership, accusing him of consistently undermining the PDP since 2003, particularly in the party’s failed attempts to win Lagos State.
He also questioned Atiku’s sincerity about supporting a South-East presidential candidate, pointing out that Atiku had declared his interest in the 2023 race before the PDP’s zoning committee completed its work.
Olayinka pointed to the defection of several top PDP figures—such as former campaign director Gbenga Daniel and Atiku’s 2023 running mate Ifeanyi Okowa—as evidence of discontent within the party, suggesting they left due to Atiku’s alleged self-serving approach.
He added that even allies like former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel and his successor Governor Umo Eno appear to be distancing themselves from Atiku and the PDP.
Efforts to contact Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, and Dele Momodu were unsuccessful.
Calls and messages sent to both went unanswered as of the time of reporting.