Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Minister remains resolute in discharging his duties despite criticism over the sealing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Olayinka specifically responded to comments from Dare Adeleke, the PDP Caretaker Chairman in Ekiti State, who had criticized the Minister's actions regarding the sealed secretariat.

"Dare Adeleke, the illegal Caretaker Chairman of PDP in Ekiti State too has been running his mouth on the PDP National Secretariat issue, just like his political mentor," Olayinka wrote, questioning Adeleke's standing to criticize the Minister.

The FCT Authority had sealed the PDP Secretariat alongside other properties for defaulting on ground rent payments. This action was part of a broader enforcement that saw the revocation of 4,794 land titles across the territory.

12 Days Remaining for Payment

Olayinka reminded defaulters that following President Bola Tinubu's intervention, the Minister had granted a 14-day grace period for payment, of which 12 days remain.

"Anyways, 12 Days remaining for Outstanding Ground Rent and associated penalty to be paid. If una like, make una no pay. Wike no dey look Uche face," he stated, using pidgin English to emphasize the Minister's firmness.

The FCT Minister's aide also questioned Adeleke's legitimacy as PDP Caretaker Chairman in Ekiti State, citing Section 48(1) of the PDP Constitution which prohibits holding dual positions.

"Once you are a Political Appointee, you can't hold any party position. But Dare Adeleke (from Ibadan) is Special Adviser (without office) to Oyo State Governor and at the same time, Caretaker Chairman of PDP in Ekiti State," Olayinka pointed out.

He further alleged that Adeleke has been serving as Ekiti PDP Caretaker Chairman since August 2024, despite the position having a three-month tenure renewable only once.

"Dare Adeleke knows that he is illegally functioning as Ekiti PDP Caretaker Chairman, but a power monger that he is, he will keep playing ostrich to his own illegalities," Olayinka concluded.

The sealing of the PDP National Secretariat has intensified the ongoing tensions within Nigeria's main opposition party, with various factions taking different positions on the FCT Minister's actions.