Wike Attacks Peter Obi, Says He Would Flee Nigeria’s Challenges if Elected President

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, questioning his capacity to address Nigeria’s challenges and alleging that he could flee the country if elected president.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where he urged FCT residents and political leaders to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The minister argued that Nigeria needed a president willing to confront difficult situations rather than abandon responsibility when faced with national challenges. He contrasted Obi with Tinubu, whom he praised for taking difficult decisions.

According to Wike, the presidency requires courage, capacity and a willingness to take responsibility, rather than political theatrics or public relations.

He urged political leaders in Abaji to demonstrate their support for Tinubu through their performance at the 2027 polls, insisting that promises of electoral backing must be reflected in actual results.

Wike specifically challenged the Abaji Area Council chairman, councillors and other political stakeholders to deliver their respective wards for the President.

“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.

The FCT minister also challenged Abuja political leaders to surpass Rivers State in electoral performance, saying he intended to deploy the same political mobilisation strategy in the nation’s capital.

“Nobody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” Wike said.

He further cautioned residents against repeating what he described as the mistake of the 2023 elections, when, according to him, they elected representatives who failed to maintain contact with their constituents or address their concerns after winning.

Wike questioned whether some elected representatives had returned to engage residents or taken steps to address issues affecting the FCT.

The minister disclosed that he would meet with FCT youths on Wednesday to discuss political mobilisation and their participation in the forthcoming elections.

He also expressed confidence in the readiness of the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for Tinubu, saying the necessary resources and arrangements for the campaign were being put in place.

Beyond electioneering, Wike reiterated his commitment to addressing electricity challenges in Abaji before the 2027 elections. He directed the area council chairman to intensify efforts towards restoring power supply and urged residents to hold political office seekers accountable for development challenges in their communities.

Obi’s response to Wike’s latest remarks was not included in the account of the meeting.