Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized PDP chieftain Dele Momodu for opposing Wike's recent statements regarding the party's 2027 presidential ticket.

The controversy began when Wike, during his monthly press briefing in Abuja, declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the North, a statement widely interpreted as directed at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

"PDP cannot give the presidential ticket to the North (in 2027)," Wike stated, prompting immediate backlash from Momodu, who served as Campaign Director of Media for Atiku in 2023.

In a Facebook post, Momodu challenged Wike's authority to make such declarations: "When did he become the Chief Justice of Nigeria that he can misinterpret our Constitution as he wishes?" He further questioned Wike's motives, suggesting the Minister was being hypocritical since he had previously sought to be Atiku's running mate.

Responding to Momodu's criticism in an interview with Daily Post, Olayinka did not mince words: "Babalawo Dele Momodu sha wants to be eating Atiku's money. Anyone who tells him the truth that Atiku should bury his thought of contesting the Presidency again in 2027 is Dele Momodu's automatic enemy."

Olayinka further alleged that Momodu's defense of Atiku was financially motivated, referencing "millions he collected as Campaign Director of Media in 2023." He concluded by backing his principal's position: "Wike has said the truth that must be said to Atiku."

The exchange highlights growing tensions within the PDP regarding its 2027 presidential candidate selection, with Wike's faction apparently determined to prevent another northern candidate following Atiku's unsuccessful 2023 bid.

This public disagreement comes amid ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, including the situation in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which Momodu also referenced in his criticism of Wike.

Political analysts suggest these early positioning statements indicate the 2027 presidential race is already taking shape, with party stakeholders jockeying for influence over the nomination process.