Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sharply criticized Imo State’s House of Representatives member, Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, referring to him as a “political hushpuppi.”
Olayinka accused Ugochinyere of being a product of the flaws within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and stated that such figures must be stopped.
During a recent appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ugochinyere had accused Wike and several other governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, of attempting to undermine the PDP.
In response, Olayinka, in a statement released from Abuja, mocked Ugochinyere’s political career, suggesting that someone who joined the PDP only in 2022 had no right to lecture anyone on party loyalty.
He further expressed that the rise of figures like Ugochinyere within the PDP was a result of mismanagement within the party.
“Had the PDP been functioning properly, a character like Ugochinyere would not have been given the party’s ticket, especially while still associated with another political party,” Olayinka remarked.
He highlighted that Ugochinyere, despite being a representative for the PDP, was still holding ties with his previous party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), and using it for personal gain.
Olayinka continued to criticize Ugochinyere’s political tactics, insinuating that his activities were financially motivated.
He suggested that Ugochinyere’s public comments against Wike were attempts to satisfy those who fund his political pursuits.
“He must maintain the support of those funding him from Rivers State,” Olayinka claimed.
The FCT Minister’s aide also mocked Ugochinyere’s habit of speaking on behalf of various organizations, calling his actions deceptive.
“In more organized political systems, such behaviour would be considered impersonation and could lead to legal consequences,” Olayinka stated. He pointed to Ugochinyere’s self-appointment as the “Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly” as an example of his penchant for creating false titles.
According to Olayinka, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), which Ugochinyere claims to represent, is not a recognized party with seats in the House of Representatives, and there is no such position as the spokesperson for opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly.
Olayinka accused Ugochinyere of being a “political hustler” who had contravened the National Assembly’s rules by assigning himself an imaginary role to maintain his political clout.
“He just had to have a title to keep his hustle going, and it has been working well for him,” Olayinka added, implying that Ugochinyere was exploiting his position for personal financial benefit, particularly in Rivers State.
He concluded by saying that Ugochinyere was continuing to “cash out” through his association with both the APP and the opposition lawmakers, adding that his actions were a constant political hustle.