Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blasted former 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of seeking media attention through unfounded attacks on government efforts in Abuja.
Wike’s remarks came in response to Obi’s recent statement at a public school in Kuje, where Obi alleged that the government has neglected public education.
Speaking at the commissioning of new roads in Mabushi District on Thursday, Wike warned that not every issue should be politicised and challenged Obi’s legacy as ex-governor of Anambra State.
“Mr. Peter Obi, we have only been in office for two years. You served for eight years. Compare what we have done in two years in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra. Can you honestly say you love this country? Or that you love Anambra? I don’t think so,” Wike declared.
He further accused Obi of prioritising personal gain over development during his tenure in Anambra.
“In those eight years, instead of improving Anambra, you placed funds in Fidelity Bank — a bank where you have interest — just to earn profit while Anambra suffered,” Wike claimed.
Wike dismissed Obi’s gestures like celebrating his birthday at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp as mere political theater.
“You cannot claim to be president by just holding a birthday party at an IDP camp. When you were governor, why didn’t you celebrate your birthday there? Now that you want to be president, you suddenly care about the less privileged. Who are you fooling? Enough is enough,” he said.
He also questioned Obi’s ability to lead, pointing to ongoing internal Labour Party conflicts.
“To run for president with a party you can’t even manage — a party in crisis — shows you are not fit to govern a complex nation like Nigeria. This responsibility is not for people like you,” Wike added.
At the event, Wike lauded Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Damian Dodo for his civic responsibility. Dodo had privately alerted Wike to the poor condition of Kez Udezue Street, prompting a quick government response that led to road repairs within six months.
“That’s what good citizens do — they inform the government instead of lamenting on social media just for politics,” Wike said.
He expressed appreciation for Lubrik Construction and the FCT Administration for their role in the road project, pledging ongoing government collaboration with committed partners to advance the Territory’s development.
FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and emphasized that a prosperous Nigeria begins with a strong capital city.
She credited Wike’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for revitalizing infrastructure in the FCT and urged residents to care for the new roads, stating, “These roads belong to you; may they serve your daily lives with ease and safety.”
