Peter Obi dropped money in Ekiti – Lere Olayinka dismisses ‘I don’t give shishi’ claims

Lere Olayinka, a spokesperson for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, does not provide financial support for political campaigns. Olayinka recalled that Obi "dropped money" for party delegates in Ekiti State during the 2023 elections.

Speaking on AIT’s Democracy Today, Olayinka emphasized that "politics is business" and that a politician's success is closely tied to their financial backing. He added, "As a politician or a businessman, if your competitor wins, what happens to you? If you are seeking a contract from somewhere and your competitor wins, what happens to you?

You will lose out." Olayinka clarified that most Nigerians view politics as a business and a means of service, stating, "You can only serve when you get to power." He further explained that politicians spend money on campaigns to secure election, and that such spending is not uncommon. Olayinka dismissed the notion that Obi does not give out money for campaigns, saying, "I contested for the House of Representatives in 2023, in your party primaries, you give people money; so let’s not come on television and start deceiving ourselves and people."

He also addressed the claim that Obi does not give out "shishi," a Yoruba term for money, stating, "It’s a lie. I was a delegate in Ekiti when he was in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the Labour Party, he came to Ekiti and dropped money for delegates."