The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a snipe at former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership record and suitability to govern Nigeria.
Wike, who spoke on Saturday at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, described Obi as a “social media president” and argued that online popularity was not enough to demonstrate the capacity required to lead the country.
“Truly speaking, I gave him president of social media. If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it capital no!” Wike said.
The FCT minister also mocked Obi’s reputation for frugality, particularly his practice of carrying his own luggage, describing it as evidence of stinginess.
“As a former governor, you cannot be stingy not to have employed a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president,” he said.
Wike also questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, urging voters to compare his administration with the performance of the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
He further criticised politicians who abandon political parties when faced with internal crises, arguing that effective leadership requires confronting challenges rather than walking away from them.
“How will you solve the problem of the country? Did you see when there was a problem in PDP? Did I run? I defeated them,” Wike said.
Wike Attacks Record of Previous Rivers Administration
The minister also turned his attention to the administration that preceded him in Rivers State, alleging that billions of naira and millions of dollars were spent on projects that failed to deliver meaningful benefits to residents.
Wike claimed that $39 million, which he put at about N53 billion, was spent on the proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, but alleged that the project had not progressed beyond the foundation stage.
“Thirty-nine million US dollars, 53 billion naira, gone! As I speak to you, there’s no foundation, no one block laid,” he said.
He also criticised the Rivers State monorail project, alleging that about N60 billion was spent on it while questioning its functionality and value to residents.
Wike further alleged that a gas turbine belonging to the state was sold for $308 million and claimed that only $308,000 remained in the relevant account when he assumed office in May 2015.
He also recalled a proposal to spend $10 million on fumigating Rivers State to tackle mosquito bites, questioning the rationale behind the plan given the state’s geographical location and its boundaries with neighbouring states.
The minister said voters should examine the records of politicians seeking elective offices rather than rely solely on campaign promises.
Wike Backs Tinubu, Faults ADC Ticket
Wike also criticised the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, expressing doubts about the coalition and the leadership credentials of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He said his knowledge of Atiku dated back to their years in the Peoples Democratic Party and questioned the former vice president’s ability to provide the leadership Nigeria requires.
Wike reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying he believed the APC remained the platform he would support.
The minister also explained the rationale behind the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, saying the arrangement was designed to reduce political divisions and violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Under a Rainbow Coalition, that’s why in our state today, you see APC, PDP, all of us. No more Rivers of blood, no more shooting, not many people going to die,” he said.
Wike announced that the coalition would unveil its candidates on Tuesday, October 27, and named Kingsley Chinda as its preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election.
He also disclosed candidates for other elective positions, saying some would contest under the APC despite the coalition comprising politicians from different political parties.
The minister urged Rivers residents to support candidates with proven experience and commitment to public service, while assuring the people of Bonny that issues raised during the town hall meeting would receive attention.
Wike also commended the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, saying the project had improved access to the island community and eased the difficulties residents previously experienced when travelling by boat.
He said he had informed President Tinubu that the completion of the road represented a major achievement for the people of Bonny and underscored the importance of infrastructure to the community’s development.