A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Esan North East, Chief Audu Mohammed, has harshly criticized John Mayaki for allegedly seeking to rejoin the APC just two months after attacking Governor Monday Okpebholo and other party leaders in Edo State.
Chief Audu’s remarks were made in response to Mayaki’s recent overtures toward the APC, which the chieftain dismissed as desperate and lacking integrity.
In a brief message in Pidgin English sent on a political WhatsApp group on Tuesday, Chief Audu speaking to Mayaki said, “Which support Oga are you talking about? Make I tell you dey where you dey o, APC don’t need you at all. Your articles are everywhere where you were calling our Governor all manner of names. I beg, go face your Asue abi the money him give you don finish. Make una still dey get small shame. Many have not gotten to the level you got to in politics as CPS to former Governor Obaseki but have stayed in the opposition for years. You nor remember say na opposition you go dey if APC win when you begin write rubbish against Governor Okpebholo.”
Later, in an exclusive interview with Truth Live News, Chief Audu expanded on his critique, condemning Mayaki’s apparent inconsistency. He pointed out that Mayaki, who had served as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to former Governor Godwin Obaseki, joined the PDP during the governorship election campaign and was even appointed spokesperson for the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. During this time, Mayaki allegedly launched a series of personal attacks on Governor Okpebholo, including calling him a “dullard.”
“It is disgraceful and unfortunate,” Chief Audu stated. “For someone who has grown in the political system and risen to the level of CPS, jumping ship like someone boarding a bus from Ring Road to Sapele Road is shameful. Just two months ago, he was insulting the governor, and now he’s running back to the APC after the party’s victory. This shows that for some people, politics is their only address. Young politicians should aspire to have a second address outside politics.”
Chief Audu argued that Mayaki’s actions reflect poorly on his credibility, especially given his rejection of a role in the APC campaign council before the election.
“His name was on the campaign council list, but he turned it down and chose to work for the opposition. Now that the APC has won, he wants to come back and benefit from the victory. It’s very unfortunate.”
The chieftain also emphasized the importance of integrity in politics, stating, “For someone like Mayaki to return, he must follow the proper channels rather than looking for a backdoor entry. We cannot allow people who have insulted the governor and the party to waltz back in and expect to take over.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State government has distanced itself from Mayaki’s comments, clarifying that he does not speak for the administration. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor stated that while Mayaki is entitled to his opinions as a citizen, his statements do not reflect the government’s position.
Chief Audu concluded by urging Mayaki to show contrition, saying, “He should at least cover his eyes in shame. Politics requires consistency and respect, not opportunism.”