Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has accused Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of bribing delegates with as much as $30,000 each during the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries.
Momodu, who contested the same primaries — ultimately won by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — made these explosive claims during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he discussed internal party dynamics, alleged vote buying, and Wike’s growing influence in Nigerian politics.
“Wike Raised the Stakes to $30,000 Per Delegate”
According to Dele Momodu, a former Nigerian president personally sent someone to advise him not to waste his time or resources pursuing the PDP ticket, warning that Wike had already turned the delegate system into a money-driven contest.
“A former president of Nigeria sent someone to tell me not to waste my money on the PDP 2022 primaries,” Momodu recounted.
“He said Wike had raised the stakes to $30,000 per delegate. Multiply that by 774 delegates — that’s the reality I was up against.”
Momodu, the publisher of Ovation International Magazine, lamented that the primaries were no longer about vision or leadership capacity but about who could outspend others. He accused Wike of manipulating the process instead of participating in a transparent and credible race.
“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.”
Concerns Over Wike’s Conduct in Office
Beyond the alleged vote-buying scandal, Momodu launched a blistering critique of Wike’s character, claiming the FCT minister has grown increasingly arrogant and consumed by power since joining President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
“When a man who had been a nobody gets power, he begins to change slowly and steadily,” Momodu said.
“The oppressed man respects only one man: the oppressor. Wike used to respect only one man — Rotimi Amaechi.”
He alleged that Wike, once seen as a man of the people, has allowed the trappings of office and access to public funds to influence his behavior, describing the former Rivers State governor as now “consumed by the power he holds.”
Allegations of Excessive Drinking and Misconduct
Perhaps the most damning part of the interview came when Momodu accused Wike of heavy drinking while in public office.
“The spirit of power and money is demonic when not managed properly,” he said.
“He drinks early in the morning. He introduced me to Akeshi, a very strong alcoholic drink, saying it helps him function. This is someone in public office.”
Momodu did not provide further details or evidence of Wike’s alleged drinking habits but maintained that such conduct raises serious questions about the FCT minister’s fitness for public office.
A Warning to Tinubu Ahead of 2027
Momodu also issued a public appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to distance himself from Wike ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“My appeal to President 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,” Momodu said.
“He is not the kind of young man who should hijack our common patrimony.”
He warned that Wike’s influence could become toxic for Tinubu’s administration and the APC government as a whole, especially if he continues to gain leverage at the federal level.
Background: Wike’s Role in PDP Crisis and His Defection Drama
Wike’s influence in PDP and later his collaboration with Tinubu’s APC administration have long sparked controversy. After failing to secure the PDP presidential ticket in 2022, Wike led a rebel group within the party, known as the G5 governors, which refused to back Atiku Abubakar in the general election.
He has since been rewarded with a ministerial portfolio under a rival party’s president, raising eyebrows about his loyalty and long-term political ambitions. Many believe Wike may align more closely with APC ahead of the next election cycle, especially if he feels sidelined by the PDP.
Political Implications of Momodu’s Allegations
Dele Momodu’s allegations have added fuel to an already raging fire surrounding Wike’s controversial role in Nigerian politics. If substantiated, claims of $30,000 per delegate payments would reinforce the narrative that money, not merit, determines electoral outcomes within Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
Moreover, Momodu’s remarks about Wike’s alleged drinking and power obsession will likely generate intense debate among Nigerians, especially those concerned about accountability and ethical behavior in public service.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer and political alignments already shifting, this interview may serve as a warning shot to Tinubu and the ruling class about the political liabilities that could come with closely associating with figures like Wike.
No Response Yet from Wike or the Presidency
As of press time, Nyesom Wike has not responded to Dele Momodu’s claims. Similarly, there has been no official statement from the Presidency addressing the allegations raised during the interview.
Political analysts, however, say this will likely trigger a round of media counter-attacks, denials, and possibly legal threats, especially as Wike is known for his combative media style and quick rebuttals.
Observers also note that if left unaddressed, these accusations could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes and deepen skepticism about the integrity of political party primaries.
Bottom Line:
Dele Momodu has fired a significant shot in Nigeria’s ongoing political drama, putting the spotlight on alleged corruption, character flaws, and the murky backroom dealings of high-level political figures. His revelations about Nyesom Wike could have ripple effects within the PDP, APC, and the wider political landscape as Nigeria marches toward another election cycle in 2027.
