- Minister Nyesom Wike labeled Ikenga Ugochinyere a “political hushpuppi,” accusing him of benefiting from irregularities within the PDP party structure
- Wike criticized Ugochinyere for prioritizing personal interests and maintaining ties with the Action Peoples Party while serving as a PDP member
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in Imo State.
Wike referred to Ugochinyere as a “political hushpuppi,” alleging that his emergence resulted from irregularities within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike’s comments came in response to remarks made by Ugochinyere on a Channels Television programme, Politics Today. During the show, Ugochinyere accused Wike and the G5 group of undermining the PDP, claiming their actions favoured the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described their politics as “childish” and criticized the party’s leadership for allowing internal divisions.
In a statement released by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister dismissed Ugochinyere’s criticisms.
He accused the lawmaker of prioritizing personal interests over his responsibilities to his constituents, who have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his performance.
Wike’s statement read:
“This happens when people barely joining the PDP are immediately handed tickets. Someone like Ugochinyere, who joined the PDP in 2022, should not lecture us on loyalty. If the PDP had operated correctly, someone like him would never have secured the party’s ticket while holding allegiance to another party.”
Wike also alleged that Ugochinyere maintains ties with the Action Peoples Party (APP) despite being a PDP member.
He criticized Ugochinyere for self-appointing himself as the “Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly,” a title Wike described as nonexistent and illegitimate.
“This so-called title is just a way to sustain his political hustle,” Wike said, adding that such behaviour would warrant legal action in “saner climes.”
Wike used the term ” hushpuppies,” associated with the convicted fraudster Ramon Abbas, to underscore his allegations of dishonesty and opportunism against Ugochinyere.