Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has responded strongly to comments made by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. According to Olayinka, Wike remains committed to the rule of law and is not involved in what he described as Lamido’s “society of lawlessness.”
The reaction came after Lamido criticized Wike over the FCT Administration’s move to seal the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as Wadata Plaza. The secretariat was closed due to the party’s failure to pay ground rents for almost three decades, dating back 28 years. The FCT administration had reportedly issued several notices since September 2023 before taking action.
Lamido had labeled Wike a “disaster” to the PDP and urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to expel him. He argued that Wike’s actions were damaging to the party and lacked internal party respect.
Responding to the claims, Olayinka stated that the minister will not waste time responding to someone who treats PDP as if it belongs solely to Jigawa State. He noted that Wike is focused on his duties in Abuja and has no interest in engaging in political distractions.
“We don’t have time to exchange words with someone who carries on like PDP as a party is only about his Jigawa, where he is the beginning and the end of the party,” Olayinka said.
He went on to question Lamido’s relevance and contributions to the PDP since leaving office in 2015. According to him, Lamido’s only legacy within the party has been pushing himself and his children as candidates.
“Since he left office as governor in 2015, what has PDP produced in Jigawa, apart from Sule Lamido and his children as the party’s candidates?” he asked.
Regarding the closure of the PDP headquarters, Olayinka defended the minister’s decision, explaining that it was a matter of law and responsibility. “On the PDP Secretariat, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not a member of Sule Lamido’s society of impunity and lawlessness. For him, everyone must obey the laws as far as dealing with the FCT is concerned,” he said.
