Media mogul and politician, Dele Momodu, has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him as a man “consumed by power” and driven by ambition at the cost of old friendships.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Momodu accused the former Rivers State governor of betraying allies and being controlled by the “demonic spirit of power and money.”
Momodu, who once served as a media consultant to Wike in 2022, said their friendship ended due to Wike’s political arrogance and disrespect. “When Wike needs you, he worships you. When he doesn’t, he tramples on you,” he said, recounting how Wike once treated him like royalty when their relationship was still warm.
According to Momodu, Wike’s rise to political prominence has changed him into an oppressor. “It’s the classic story of the oppressed becoming the oppressor,” he said, adding that Wike once respected Rotimi Amaechi but now publicly insults him.
The clash between the two reportedly worsened when both men showed interest in the 2023 PDP presidential ticket. Momodu claimed Wike mocked his candidacy and raised the cost of party primaries beyond reach. “Wike raised the stakes to \$30,000 per delegate. Even if I sold my entire family, I couldn’t raise that money,” he said.
He also accused Wike of hypocrisy, drinking heavily while holding public office, and lacking the character to lead responsibly. “Wike is someone who drinks early in the morning. He introduced me to a strong alcohol, Akeshi, saying it helps him function,” Momodu revealed.
Despite benefitting from his work with Wike, Momodu insists his media firm added real value, including helping polish the minister’s image. “We trained him in public speaking and helped clean up his act. But you can take a man out of the bush; you can’t take the bush out of the man,” he said.
The comments reflect growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition, particularly among former PDP figures, as political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections begin to take shape.
So far, Wike has not publicly responded to Momodu’s remarks.