In a startling revelation that has reignited debate over political financing and internal party democracy, Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and former presidential aspirant, has alleged that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), paid $30,000 to each delegate during the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu claimed that a former Nigerian president had warned him against participating in the primaries, citing Wike’s alleged financial influence. “A former president of Nigeria sent someone to tell me not to waste my money on the PDP 2022 primaries because Wike had raised the stakes to $30k per delegate; $30k multiplied by 774 delegates,” Momodu stated.
Both Momodu and Wike contested the 2022 PDP primaries saw former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerge as the party’s flagbearer. Momodu expressed concern over what he described as Wike’s troubling transformation since assuming office as FCT Minister, alleging that power and wealth have altered his character and conduct.
The allegations have sparked renewed calls for transparency and reform in Nigeria’s political party processes, with critics warning that such practices undermine democratic values and marginalize candidates without deep financial resources.