2023 Election Bombshell: Wike’s Aide Accuses Sowore of Lying Under Oath, Owning $552,000 U.S. Mansion — Sowore Fires Back

Nigeria’s political arena was thrown into fresh controversy on Thursday as Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, accused African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, of lying under oath in his 2023 asset declaration.

In a statement widely circulated, Olayinka alleged that Sowore concealed ownership of a luxury mansion in the United States, purchased for $552,000 (₦850 million), while declaring to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that he owned only one property valued at ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry.

> “He did not declare this property, thereby lying on oath in his Code of Conduct asset declaration — a clear violation of the law,” Olayinka said, brandishing what he claimed to be documentary evidence of Sowore’s U.S. property.

Olayinka stressed that under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, failure to declare assets attracts stiff penalties, including forfeiture of undeclared assets and a 10-year ban from holding public office. He further warned that perjury, under Section 118 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

Contacted for his reaction, Sowore dismissed the allegations as “cheap blackmail and political distraction”, insisting that he has always lived a transparent life.

> “These are tired, recycled lies by politicians who fear accountability. I have nothing to hide. My fight for justice, freedom, and good governance cannot be silenced by baseless propaganda,” Sowore retorted in a post on his verified social media handle.

The fiery activist, who has long styled himself as a corruption watchdog through Sahara Reporters, accused Wike’s camp of desperation to dent his image ahead of future political contests.

Political Implications

Analysts warn that the allegation, if pursued legally, could trigger a landmark case that tests Nigeria’s laws on false asset declaration and perjury. It also threatens to reopen debates on the credibility of opposition voices and the weaponization of anti-corruption claims in the country’s heated political space.

For now, Nigerians are left to watch as both camps dig in — one armed with documents, the other with fiery denials — in what could become one of the most explosive political battles since the 2023 general elections.