Drama as Tinubu’s ally, Joe Igbokwe clashes with former Osinbajo’s aide

A heated exchange erupted on Facebook between APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe and Babafemi Ojudu, former political adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, over a female NYSC corps member’s comment about President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy started when the corps member publicly described Tinubu as a “terrible president,” lamenting the worsening economic situation in Nigeria. Igbokwe, a vocal supporter of Tinubu, went on the offensive, blasting the young woman in a Facebook post.

His reaction, however, did not sit well with Ojudu, who stepped in to caution Igbokwe against cyberbullying the corps member. Ojudu urged him to offer guidance instead of tearing her down.

“Good morning Joe. I guess it is my turn to be picked on today. Rather than do this why don’t you just block me . All I did was to plead with you to stop cyber bullying a young lady (NYSC Corper). That you should rather counsel her if she has done something wrong.”— Ojudu statement read in part.

Rather than take the advice, Igbokwe fired back, accusing Ojudu of targeting him ever since Osinbajo lost the APC presidential ticket in 2023. According to Igbokwe, Ojudu now sees Tinubu’s loyalists as enemies.

“…He has been slaying into my page to drop scurrilous drivels for no just cause. Since his Principal (Yemi Osinbajo) lost the Presidential ticket in 2023 PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s) supporters have become his enemies.”

Responding, Ojudu exposed some behind-the-scenes dealings between them, revealing that Igbokwe had repeatedly sought his help for favors during festive seasons. He further claimed that Igbokwe once pleaded with him to convince Osinbajo to provide financial assistance for rebuilding his house after it was gutted by fire.

“Haba Joe! Some of us do keep records, you know,” Ojudu wrote, subtly reminding Igbokwe that he had receipts to back up his claims.

The public spat has since stirred reactions, with netizens weighing in on the rift between Tinubu’s camp and Osinbajo’s former allies. Many questioned the deep divisions within the ruling party, while others mocked the personal revelations in the exchange.