Politics

Dele Momodu Alleges Wike Spent $30,000 Per Delegate in 2022 PDP Primaries

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 8th, 2025.

Dele Momodu Alleges Wike Spent $30,000 Per Delegate in 2022 PDP Primaries

Dele Momodu, media mogul and former presidential aspirant, has claimed that Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spent as much as $30,000 on each delegate during the 2022 presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Momodu, who competed against Wike and others for the PDP ticket eventually won by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made the allegation during an appearance on Politics Today aired by Channels Television on Monday.

According to Momodu, a former Nigerian president had privately warned him not to participate in the primary election, revealing that Wike had significantly raised the financial stakes.

“I was advised by a former president, through an intermediary, not to waste resources on the PDP primaries because Wike had already pegged delegate payments at $30,000 each. Multiply that by 774 delegates, and you understand the scale,” he said.

Momodu expressed disappointment in Wike’s political conduct, suggesting the race was far from fair. “If you’re not backing someone, at least compete honorably,” he added.

The Ovation magazine publisher also expressed concern over Wike’s behavior since assuming office as FCT Minister, saying he has observed a troubling shift in his personality.

“When someone who once had nothing suddenly gains power, it often changes them—and not for the better,” Momodu said, drawing a contrast between the Wike of today and the one who previously showed deference to his former mentor, Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Minister of Transportation.

He went further to make personal claims about Wike’s lifestyle, alleging that the FCT Minister struggles with excessive alcohol consumption. “He introduced me to a strong drink called Akeshi, saying it helps him operate. And he starts drinking early in the morning,” Momodu said.

In a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Momodu advised caution in aligning too closely with Wike, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon.

“No matter what political value he seems to offer now, Wike is not the kind of individual who should be allowed to control national resources. He doesn’t represent the kind of leadership this country needs,” he concluded.