Dele Momodu Alleges Wike Paid Delegates 30,000 Dollars Each During PDP 2022 Primary

Ovation magazine publisher and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has alleged that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), paid $30,000 per delegate to secure support during the 2022 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Momodu, who contested in the same primaries won by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made the claim during an interview on Channels Television. He said a former Nigerian president had warned him not to waste time or money on the race because Wike had already raised the financial stakes beyond reach.

According to Momodu, the message from the former president was clear: Wike had offered an estimated $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates, effectively sealing their votes before the primary began.

He criticised Wike for allegedly rigging the internal process rather than competing fairly. Momodu said he had expected a level playing field, but what he saw instead was an expensive political transaction that shut out less wealthy aspirants.

Momodu also raised concerns about Wike’s behavior since becoming FCT minister, accusing him of changing under the influence of power and wealth. He described Wike as someone who had become increasingly arrogant, recalling that Wike once looked up to his former political ally, Rotimi Amaechi, but had now become what he once opposed.

He claimed Wike’s conduct in office has raised eyebrows, pointing to his alleged drinking habit and erratic behavior as signs of deeper issues. Momodu said Wike once introduced him to a strong drink called Akeshi, which the minister reportedly claimed helps him function, even in the early hours of the day.

Beyond personal concerns, Momodu warned President Bola Tinubu about Wike’s political ambitions and character. He urged the president to reconsider any political alliance with the FCT minister ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, Wike is not the type of figure who should be allowed to dominate the national stage or control key political resources.

Wike has yet to respond to the allegations. However, the claims have sparked fresh debate within the PDP and among political observers, particularly as the country heads into a heated political season ahead of the next presidential race.