Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, the House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, as a “political hushpuppi” and a product of systemic anomalies within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Olayinka’s remarks came in response to Ugochinyere’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the lawmaker accused Wike and the G5 Governors—Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)—of working against the PDP.
Olayinka’s Counterattack
In a statement issued on Saturday, Olayinka criticized Ugochinyere for allegedly lacking focus on his legislative duties and for what he termed as “unnecessary attacks” on Wike.
“This is one of the things you get when people who joined the PDP yesterday are awarded the ticket of the party this morning. If not for the aberration in the PDP that produced a character like Ugochinyere, someone who only joined the party in 2022 won’t be the one lecturing us about party loyalty.”
Olayinka accused Ugochinyere of retaining ties with the Action Peoples Party (APP) despite being elected on the PDP platform, describing this as a clear act of political opportunism.
“Even till today, as a PDP Rep member, Ugochinyere is still holding on to his Action Peoples Party (APP), using it to cash out in Rivers State.”
“Hustling with Self-Appointed Titles”
Olayinka further mocked Ugochinyere for allegedly fabricating titles to bolster his political relevance.
“When he got to the House of Representatives and there was no title under which his political hushpuppism would continue, he awarded himself the non-existent title of ‘Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly,’ claiming this was bestowed by the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).”
He questioned the legitimacy of CUPP and its authority to appoint representatives in the National Assembly, adding that such actions amounted to “impersonation and hustling.”
Call for Focused Leadership
Olayinka urged Ugochinyere to concentrate on addressing the needs of his constituents rather than engaging in political distractions, accusing him of being out of touch with his constituency.
“Ugochinyere should focus on the purpose for which he was elected so his constituents can stop seeing him as a failure. Consistently passing votes of no confidence against him speaks volumes about his performance.”
The clash underscores the deepening divide within the PDP, with key figures trading accusations amidst internal party tensions.
