The political clash between Nyesom Wike and Omoyele Sowore has taken a dramatic turn after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Sowore’s assassination claims as “mind games.”
Sowore, the publisher of SaharaReporters and a former presidential candidate, alleged that President Bola Tinubu and Minister Wike were plotting to eliminate him.
He made the claim in a series of social media posts after Wike criticized him during a recent public event.
The activist had earlier described President Tinubu as a “criminal,” accusing him of downplaying corruption during a visit to Brazil.
His remark prompted the Department of State Services (DSS) to file a criminal suit against him under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention laws.
Wike, reacting at the flag-off of Arterial Road N1 construction in Wuye on September 18, said Sowore was “lucky” that Tinubu respected the rule of law.
He warned that Sowore might not be so fortunate under another leader.
In response, Sowore escalated his claims, accusing Wike of plotting to assassinate him.
Wike’s Camp Responds
Olayinka, speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister on Saturday, September 20, described Sowore’s accusations as baseless.
He said the activist was only playing the victim to distract from his criminal trial.
According to Olayinka, Sowore’s allegations were a cover-up for his troubles.
“If any harm befalls Sowore, it should come from those he has blackmailed, not from President Tinubu or the FCT Minister,” he said.
He further mocked Sowore’s attacks on Wike, calling them “the last kick of a dying horse.”
Olayinka argued that Sowore’s theatrics were part of a strategy to divert attention from the “serious allegations” he faces in court.
The exchange highlights the growing tension between outspoken activists and government leaders.
Wike has continued to defend Tinubu’s presidency while dismissing critics.
Sowore, on the other hand, has remained vocal against the administration, often clashing with state institutions.
Olayinka insisted that the FCT Minister and the President had no reason to target Sowore, stressing that his controversies were self-inflicted.
This confrontation comes at a time when Wike is also battling political storms in Rivers State.
Recently, he defended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s absence from office, saying no law compelled him to resume immediately after Tinubu lifted his suspension.
For now, the war of words between Wike and Sowore shows no sign of cooling down, with both men holding firm to their positions.