Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that his principal’s political influence would secure more votes for President Bola Tinubu in Osun State than that of the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru.
Olayinka made the assertion while reacting to what he described as Basiru’s attempt to interfere in the ongoing political developments in Rivers State. According to him, Basiru, who failed to clinch the APC governorship ticket in Osun State, lacks the political standing to play a decisive role outside his home state.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Olayinka questioned Basiru’s relevance and electoral strength, arguing that political influence is rooted in grassroots acceptance rather than national titles. He maintained that Wike’s established structure and mobilisation capacity remain far more effective, even beyond Rivers State.
“Someone that wanted an APC governorship ticket, but couldn’t get it, now wants to come to another state to help another person,” Olayinka wrote. He added that in Osun State, Wike’s influence would still produce more votes for President Tinubu than Basiru could deliver.
Olayinka further advised Basiru to focus on consolidating support for the APC within Osun State instead of involving himself in Rivers politics. Using a mix of English and Nigerian pidgin, he cautioned Basiru to respect political boundaries, stressing that “politics is local and grassroots based”.
He also referenced the 2023 general election, noting that Basiru lost his re-election bid as a serving senator and Senate spokesperson. According to Olayinka, this outcome weakens any claim by Basiru to being a political mobiliser in another state.
“You could not win your own election as a serving senator, yet you want to come to Rivers to help someone else,” he remarked, questioning Basiru’s credibility.
Olayinka concluded by urging the APC national secretary to channel his energy into uniting party members in Osun State for the benefit of President Tinubu, similar to what Wike has done in Rivers State. He insisted that such internal cohesion, rather than external interference, is what truly strengthens a party ahead of future elections.
The exchange reflects growing tensions within the APC as key figures jostle for influence across states, highlighting internal disagreements over leadership, loyalty and political relevance.
