Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, accused Dele Momodu of supporting Atiku Abubakar for financial gain. Olayinka labeled Momodu a "fairweather friend" and asserted that his loyalty would wane without financial support from Atiku. In response to Momodu's claims that Wike was responsible for Peter Obi's departure from the PDP, Olayinka dismissed this as unfounded, asserting that such statements come from a lack of understanding. Olayinka criticized Atiku as a divisive force in the PDP, alleging his historical sabotage of the party’s ambitions since 2003. He pointed out the contradictions in Atiku's supposed support for a South-East presidential candidate while already pursuing his own presidential ambitions. Olayinka highlighted the exodus of key PDP figures, including Senator Gbenga Daniel and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as indicators of internal issues within the party due to Atiku's leadership. He questioned whether Wike was responsible for these departures, suggesting that their exits indicate Atiku’s self-serving nature. Attempts to obtain comments from Atiku's spokesperson and Dele Momodu were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.