The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Lere Olayinka, has responded sharply to former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Sam Egwu, over comments regarding Nyesom Wike's political future.

Egwu had recently claimed that Wike "was living on borrowed time as his influence will soon burn out" in Nigerian politics. This statement appears to be part of the ongoing crisis within the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

In his response, Olayinka described Egwu's comments as being "laced with the highest dose of envy and bad belle," suggesting that the former governor's remarks stemmed from jealousy rather than political insight.

"Unlike Egwu who is more like a spoon-fed politician, Wike's political progress has been owing to personal hardwork, dedication, commitment and most importantly, grace of God," Olayinka stated, drawing a sharp contrast between the two political figures.

The aide further criticized Egwu's political record, saying, "Someone who mismanaged his political life will always live with the mindset that others will mismanage theirs too."

Addressing the broader PDP crisis, Olayinka reiterated Wike's position regarding threats from a faction of South East PDP leaders. He described as "illogical" the situation where "people who could not deliver anything substantial in terms of votes to the PDP in the 2023 elections" are now threatening to withdraw their support for the party.

The statement also addressed the controversy surrounding the PDP National Secretary position. "The PDP constitution is clear as to who is the National Secretary of the party. His name is Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and anyone saying or doing anything contrary is only interested in the collapse of the party," Olayinka declared.

He specifically targeted Egwu's political relevance, noting, "It is funny that Dr. Sam Egwu, a former Commissioner, two-term governor, former minister and Senator that could not deliver anything to the PDP in the 2023 elections is among those threatening the party to either engage in illegalities by appointing someone else to fill a non-vacant position or lose their support."

Responding to Egwu's challenge for Wike to facilitate the return of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to office, Olayinka dismissed the suggestion as "preposterous" and "beer parlor talks."

"How can a former Senator be engaged in such beer parlor talks suggesting that the FCT Minister now exercises the powers of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the National Assembly?" he questioned.

Olayinka concluded his response by suggesting that Egwu's comments revealed his true feelings about Wike's political ascendancy: "Such comment has further exposed Dr. Egwu's mindset as someone living in total regret over the political progress of Wike. But can we stop him from regretting? No, we can't."

The exchange highlights the continuing tensions within the PDP, particularly regarding the political influence of the FCT Minister and the ongoing situation in Rivers State.