The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying his frequent visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and charity gestures will not make him president.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in Abuja, Wike criticised Obi for what he described as “political showmanship” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“You can’t become president of Nigeria just by going to IDP camps for birthday celebrations. Who is interested in that?” Wike said. “Celebrating your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria or that you’re committed to change.
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“When you were governor in Anambra, why didn’t you celebrate birthdays in IDP camps? Now that you want to be president, every birthday is with the less privileged. Who are you trying to deceive?”
The minister’s comments came in reaction to Obi’s recent visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, where the former governor criticised the FCT administration for the poor state of public schools. Obi had described the situation as a national disgrace and a reflection of Nigeria’s weak commitment to education.
During the visit, Obi also reiterated his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, promising to change Nigeria’s trajectory within four years if elected.
But Wike dismissed the comments as politically motivated, accusing the Labour Party standard-bearer of hypocrisy and opportunism.
“Mr Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago. We haven’t even spent four years. But you, you were governor for eight years. If I were you, I’d keep quiet. Enough is enough,” Wike said.
He added that his administration had already begun interventions to upgrade public schools in the territory and would showcase the results within the coming week.
Wike also accused Obi of politicising social and humanitarian issues, insisting that genuine service to the people should not be used for political gain.
“The FCT administration is working, and we will continue to work. But we will not tolerate propaganda disguised as compassion,” he said.
Taking another jab at Obi’s political prospects, Wike said the former Anambra governor “will continue to contest on social media but not as President of Nigeria.”
He further questioned Obi’s capacity to govern the country, alleging that he could not even manage the party under which he ran for president.
As of the time of filing this report, Obi had yet to respond to Wike’s remarks.
