‘Dare to Call Tinubu Criminal in Ojota, Oshodi Parks’, Wike’s Aide Mocks Sowore After Ekiti Incident

A media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has taken a swipe at African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following the reported attack on the activist and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, reportedly challenged Sowore to demonstrate his willingness to criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos motor parks, particularly Ojota, Obalende and Oshodi, which he associated with the President’s political influence.

In a headline published by Daily Post on Sunday, November 1, Olayinka was quoted as daring the activist to call Tinubu a criminal in the three locations.

The reported remarks came amid controversy over the incident involving Sowore and his associates at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30.

Sowore had raised the alarm on social media, alleging that armed men attacked him and members of his team shortly after he participated in a radio interview in the state capital. He also accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of providing the attackers with information about his location and alleged that the assailants had links to the Ekiti State Government.

The activist initially reported that he had been kidnapped and that his whereabouts were unknown, prompting concerns among his supporters and members of the public.

However, the Ekiti State Police Command disputed the kidnapping claim, saying preliminary information indicated that Sowore and some individuals had been involved in an altercation at a restaurant. The command said its operatives responded to a distress call, rescued those involved and took Sowore to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for treatment after he sustained an injury.

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Sowore rejected the police description of the incident as an altercation, insisting that he and his associates were attacked by armed men. He also accused the police of downplaying the seriousness of the incident.

The controversy took another turn on Saturday when the police announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. According to the command, operatives of its Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at their hideout in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10pm on Friday.

The police said items recovered during the operation included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys, a flash drive, a mobile internet device and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The suspects were taken into custody as investigations continued to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the incident and identify other persons who might have been involved.

The Ekiti State Government also denied allegations linking it to the incident. In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, the government said it had no involvement and urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Sowore has continued to demand accountability, arguing that the arrest of suspected participants would not be sufficient if those who allegedly planned, financed or coordinated the attack were not identified.

Against this background, Olayinka’s reported comments have added a political dimension to the controversy, drawing attention to the longstanding exchanges between supporters of the Tinubu administration and critics of the President.

Sowore has remained an outspoken critic of the Federal Government, frequently challenging its policies and demanding accountability from public officials. His criticism of the administration has also attracted sharp reactions from political figures and government supporters.

The reported reference to Ojota, Obalende and Oshodi is particularly significant because the locations are associated with prominent transport and commercial activities in Lagos. Olayinka’s reported challenge appeared to question whether Sowore would make similar remarks about Tinubu in those public spaces.

The development has renewed discussions about political tolerance, freedom of expression and the safety of opposition figures and activists who openly criticise government officials.

While political disagreements and sharp exchanges are part of democratic engagement, concerns remain over the use of intimidation, threats or violence against people expressing dissenting views.

The investigation into the Ado-Ekiti incident is ongoing, and the allegations against the arrested suspects have yet to be established in court.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the will of Almighty Allah must prevail in determining who leads Nigeria after the 2027 presidential election, saying his political future ultimately rests in God’s hands.

Tinubu made the declaration in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, shortly after performing the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, on Friday.

The President spoke while responding to journalists who asked about the significance of his return to the holy city after visiting Makkah ahead of the 2023 presidential election, which he won.

Tinubu described the visit as significant, expressing confidence in divine guidance and acknowledging that the outcome of the forthcoming political contest was beyond human control.

“I believe the love of the people, the commitment to the job, and the physical commitment to it. I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail. And there’s no other God but Allah,” he said.

He added that Allah alone determines what a person becomes in life, stressing the importance of faith and prayer as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.

The President also described the pilgrimage as a spiritual experience for him and the country, saying he felt fulfilled after completing the religious rites.

“It’s a spiritual thing for me and the country, Nigeria. I’m grateful to Allah for this opportunity,” he said.

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Tinubu said he and members of his delegation had prayed for Nigeria, particularly for peace, unity, harmony and happiness among citizens.

“We just prayed for our nation. We prayed for everyone to live in harmony, happiness, and faith in God Almighty,” he added.

The President’s comments come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, in which he is seeking another presidential mandate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu formally launched his re-election campaign at a rally in Kaduna on October 24, urging supporters to give him another term in office.

His major challengers include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress, and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, among other political contenders.

The President’s Makkah visit also provided an opportunity for members of his delegation to seek divine intervention for Nigeria, particularly over insecurity, national unity and the conduct of the forthcoming elections.

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, who accompanied Tinubu, said the delegation had prayed for lasting peace, national unity and a successful electoral process.

Rabiu described the visit as an opportunity to seek God’s intervention at a critical period in the country’s political development.

He said the delegation would continue praying for peaceful, free and fair elections, expressing hope that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State also emphasised the need for lasting peace and stability, saying security remained essential to the country’s future and the success of the electoral process.

Zulum said Nigerians needed to work towards national unity and peaceful coexistence, adding that the delegation had prayed for an end to insecurity.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State described the pilgrimage as part of a collective effort to seek divine guidance for the country and its electoral process.

He said the delegation had prayed for God to grant Nigerians the leadership and future that would serve their interests.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State also said the visit provided an opportunity for the country’s leaders to pray for peace, stability and progress.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, said the President had maintained a longstanding practice of undertaking spiritual visits to seek divine guidance.

Rahman said he had accompanied Tinubu on such visits since around 2016, adding that the President regularly used the opportunity to pray for himself and the country.

He described the current pilgrimage as particularly important because Nigeria was approaching another general election.

In a separate statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu performed the Umrah in the early hours of Friday and offered prayers of gratitude to Allah for Nigeria and its people.

According to the statement, the President prayed for sustainable peace, national unity, harmony and stability, while asking God to guide the country’s leaders and grant Nigeria lasting relief from insecurity and other challenges.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country where Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or social backgrounds, could live in safety and dignity.

The President departed Abuja for Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, and is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.