The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he would “continue contesting for president on social media, but never as President of Nigeria.”
Wike made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja. His statement followed Obi’s recent criticism of the poor state of public schools in the FCT.
During his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, on Wednesday, Obi had described the dilapidated facilities as “a national disgrace” and “proof of Nigeria’s hollow commitment to education.”
Reacting, Wike accused Obi of politicising every issue to attract sympathy online.
“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school, saying the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr. Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.
The minister questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, alleging that he prioritised personal financial interests over public development.
“You were governor for eight years. If you had completed all the projects then, nobody would be talking about developing Anambra today. And why did you even have problems with your successor?” Wike queried.
Comparing his own record, Wike said he had achieved more in two years as FCT Minister than Obi did in eight years as governor.
“We’ve only spent two years in office. Compare that to your eight years in Anambra. Can you really say you love Nigeria? Or the people of Anambra? Certainly not,” he added.
Wike also dismissed Obi’s leadership capacity, saying someone who could not manage a political party could not manage a country.
“You’ll continue contesting on social media but not as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t manage your party; is it Nigeria you want to manage? It’s not available for people like you,” he said.
