3 hours ago
37
ABUJA – Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has described Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, as a “Political Hushpuppi” and a product of the internal aberrations within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Olayinka’s comments follow Ugochinyere’s recent allegations that Wike and other members of the G5 governors are determined to destroy the PDP.
While appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ugochinyere accused Wike and former governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) of working against the PDP’s interests.
In response, Olayinka, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, criticized Ugochinyere’s political trajectory and alleged motivations.
Olayinka slammed Ugochinyere as a product of the PDP’s structural flaws, claiming he lacks the moral authority to question the loyalty of seasoned party members.
He stated, “This is what happens when someone who joined the PDP yesterday is given the party’s ticket today. If the PDP had functioned properly, a ‘Political Hushpuppi’ like Ugochinyere would never have emerged as its candidate while still affiliated with another party.”
He further alleged that despite being elected on the PDP platform, Ugochinyere maintains ties to his former party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), which he reportedly uses to exploit political opportunities, particularly in Rivers State.
Olayinka also mocked Ugochinyere for allegedly fabricating political titles to sustain his political relevance. He claimed Ugochinyere has been parading himself as the “Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly,” a position that does not officially exist.
“In saner climes, such behavior would be met with legal consequences. CUPP is not a registered political party, and there is no record of a coalition of opposition lawmakers appointing him to any position,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka alleged that Ugochinyere uses his APP platform and the self-assigned title to leverage resources from Rivers State, calling his activities “political hustling” and a consistent pattern of exploitation.
“Whether he is using his former party, APP, or his so-called opposition lawmakers’ coalition, his goal has always been the same — to ‘cash out.’ It’s unfortunate that this kind of character continues to thrive in our political system,” he added.
Olayinka advised Ugochinyere to redirect his energy toward serving his constituents, noting that they have expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. “Instead of obsessing over Wike and the G5, he should focus on fulfilling his legislative duties to prevent his constituents from passing further votes of no confidence against him,” he said.
The back-and-forth underscores the tensions within the PDP and the broader political discourse about loyalty, representation, and integrity in Nigeria’s political landscape.
