2 weeks Ago By Ado Oyeyemi
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Adviser on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded strongly to recent criticism from Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential aide. Olayinka defended Wike’s political track record, describing him as a more accomplished politician compared to Ojudu. He accused Ojudu of misleading former President Olusegun Obasanjo into orchestrating the controversial removal of a democratically elected governor in Ekiti State.
His remarks followed comments by Ojudu, who criticized Wike for allegedly acting as if political power lasts forever. Ojudu, who previously served as Special Adviser on Political Matters to former President Muhammadu Buhari, recently admitted to playing a key role in the 2006 impeachment of former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, a move he claimed had Obasanjo’s support. In a statement, Olayinka questioned Ojudu’s credibility and political relevance, particularly after his preferred candidate failed to win the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2022.
“Egbon Femi Ojudu is clearly frustrated, but he should reflect on the poor political calculations that led him to back the wrong candidate in 2023,” Olayinka said. He also mocked Ojudu for not following through on a past promise to retire from politics and focus on farming. “Is he cultivating cocoyam and ewedu now, as he said he would?” Olayinka asked.
Olayinka further argued that it was ironic for Ojudu, who was involved in what he called a “political coup” in Ekiti, to now speak about the impermanence of power and preach political morality. “In contrast to Ojudu, Wike has demonstrated greater political success and influence,” he added. “Ojudu’s most notable political act remains persuading President Obasanjo to unlawfully remove a sitting governor.
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