Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged the widely held perception that Peter Obi does not spend money in pursuit of political office.
Olayinka alleged that Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, gave money to delegates while seeking the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general election.
He made the claim during an appearance on AIT’s Democracy Today programme on Friday, September 4, while responding to a question about whether politics was a business for Wike.
According to Olayinka, politicians should stop pretending that money does not play a role in Nigerian politics, arguing that candidates routinely spend money during consultations, party primaries and election campaigns.
“One of the issues with most of us Nigerians, we like to pretend, politics is business. Don’t let us pretend. It’s a service, but you can only serve when you get to power,” he said.
Olayinka, who said he contested a House of Representatives seat in 2023, noted that financial expenditure was also part of the political process, particularly during party primaries.
He argued that politicians in Nigeria and other countries spend money on campaigns and other activities aimed at securing elective positions.
Addressing the perception surrounding Obi, Olayinka disputed claims that the former Anambra governor does not spend money during political engagements.
“For instance, we have read that the candidate of NDC, Peter Obi, does not spend shishi. It’s a lie,” he said.
