Senior aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has questioned Peter Obi’s repeated claim that he does not distribute money to voters during political campaigns.
Olayinka’s comments followed renewed debate over campaign spending and vote mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He alleged that Obi had spent money during political activities in Ekiti, challenging the impression created by the former Anambra State governor’s “I don’t give shishi” position.
The allegation has added another dimension to the ongoing political exchanges between Obi and his critics as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum. Olayinka’s claim, however, has not been independently established in the reports reviewed.
The controversy is particularly significant because vote-buying and the influence of money in Nigerian elections remain sensitive issues. Political actors have frequently accused opponents of using financial inducements to attract supporters, while candidates have defended their campaign practices as legitimate political mobilisation.
Obi has built part of his public image around financial prudence and has repeatedly spoken against excessive spending in politics and governance. In July 2026, he also said he left about $150 million in Anambra State’s treasury when he completed his tenure as governor, while advocating reduced government spending.
The latest exchange could therefore fuel further scrutiny of campaign financing, political messaging and the difference between providing assistance to supporters and engaging in electoral inducement.
The issue also comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s growing political activity ahead of 2027, with Obi and other opposition figures seeking to consolidate support across the country.
Meanwhile, a previous fact-check found that a widely circulated photograph showing Obi handing money to traders was from a 2017 Anambra campaign event, rather than the 2022 Ekiti governorship election.
