Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine has alleged that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), paid $30,000 to each delegate during the 2022 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Momodu and Wike were both contenders in the 2022 PDP primaries, which ultimately saw former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday, Momodu claimed a former Nigerian president had warned him against participating in the race, citing the amount of money being offered to delegates by Wike.
“A former president of Nigeria sent someone to tell me not to waste my money on the PDP 2022 primaries because Wike had raised the stakes to $30k per delegate; $30k multiplied by 774 delegates,” he said.
“What I expected of him was that if you weren’t going to support a man, if you’re going to run, run a fair race, and let’s leave it there.”
Momodu also expressed concern over what he described as Wike’s troubling transformation since assuming the role of FCT minister.
“When a man who had been a nobody gets power, he begins to change slowly and steadily,” he said.
He further stated that Wike, who was once deferential to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, has changed significantly.
“The oppressed man respects only one man: the oppressor. Wike used to respect only one man—Rotimi Amaechi.”
The Ovation publisher went on to allege that Wike has developed a heavy drinking habit since coming into office.
“Wike is consumed by the power he holds. The spirit of power and money is demonic when not managed properly,” Momodu said.
“He drinks early in the morning. He introduced me to Akeshi, a strong alcohol, saying it helps him function. This is someone in public office.”
“My appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that no matter what you are expecting to gain from Wike in 2027, Wike is not the kind of character you should promote; he is not the kind of young man who should hijack our common patrimony.”