The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he will “remain a social media presidential candidate” rather than become the President of Nigeria.
Wike made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja. His comments came in response to Obi’s recent remarks condemning the poor condition of public schools in the FCT.
During a visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, on Wednesday, Obi had described the school’s state as a “national disgrace” and a reflection of Nigeria’s weak commitment to education. He lamented the lack of chairs, toilets, and other essential facilities, attributing the situation to bad governance and misplaced priorities.
Reacting to this, Wike accused Obi of exploiting social issues for political gain, saying the Labour Party candidate was fond of turning every situation into a campaign tool to attract online sympathy.
“I heard that one of the social media presidential candidates visited a local school and claimed the government had abandoned public education. His name is Mr. Peter Obi. Not everything should be politicized,” Wike said.
He also questioned Obi’s credibility to criticise others, claiming that as Anambra State governor, Obi failed to complete major developmental projects and instead focused on personal interests. “Peter Obi, you governed Anambra for eight years. If you had completed all your projects, there would be no need for others to keep developing the state. Why did you even have issues with your successor?” Wike asked.
The minister further compared his own achievements in the FCT to Obi’s record as governor, asserting that his two years in office had produced more visible results. “We’ve only been here for two years, not even a full term, yet look at what we’ve accomplished. You were in charge for eight years, can you truly say you love this country or your people in Anambra? Certainly not,” he said.
Wike went on to mock Obi’s leadership abilities, arguing that anyone unable to manage a political party cannot handle the complexities of governing a nation. “You will keep contesting for president on social media but never as the President of Nigeria,” he declared. “If you can’t even hold your party together, how can you manage a country of over 200 million people? Leadership is not for people like you,” he added.
