The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, questioning his ability to manage Nigeria’s challenges and withstand the pressures associated with governing the country.
Wike alleged that Obi would rather escape to Cameroon than take responsibility for addressing the country’s difficulties, using the remark to question the opposition politician’s readiness for the demands of the presidency.
He contrasted his assessment of Obi with his view of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he commended for taking difficult decisions and confronting issues affecting the country.
The minister argued that Nigeria’s leadership requires an individual who is prepared to accept responsibility, remain focused during difficult periods and make decisions even when they attract criticism.
He made the comments on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where discussions centred on political mobilisation and efforts to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike used the gathering to make a case for Tinubu’s continued leadership while urging residents of the FCT to become actively involved in the political activities leading to the next presidential election.
According to him, governing a country like Nigeria involves responsibilities that go beyond campaign promises, political speeches and public appearances.
He maintained that whoever seeks the presidency must be prepared to confront difficult national issues rather than avoid responsibility when faced with complicated situations.
His comments against Obi formed part of his broader argument about the qualities he believes should define the country’s next president.
The minister also challenged political stakeholders in the FCT to demonstrate their support for Tinubu through practical mobilisation, warning that political declarations would carry little significance without corresponding votes during the elections.
Wike demands electoral results from Abaji political leaders
Turning attention to the political structure in Abaji, Wike told the area council chairman, councillors and other stakeholders that their commitment to Tinubu would be measured by the electoral results recorded in their respective wards.
He explained that he expected political leaders who had publicly promised to support the President to take responsibility for mobilising voters within their communities.
The minister said he was more interested in seeing the outcome of their political activities at polling units than receiving repeated assurances about their loyalty.
Addressing the stakeholders, he reminded them that their individual contributions would become evident when the votes were counted in 2027.
“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.
Wike further challenged the FCT to record an electoral performance that would surpass Rivers State, where he previously served as governor.
He declared that the mobilisation methods he intended to deploy in Rivers would also be implemented in Abuja, insisting that political leaders in the territory should work towards producing strong electoral support for Tinubu.
“N obody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” he said.
The minister’s comparison placed considerable emphasis on the importance of grassroots political organisation, particularly the ability of local leaders to influence participation and voting patterns within their communities.
Traditional rulers, women and youths to strengthen mobilisation
Wike also called on traditional institutions, women, youths and other influential groups across the six area councils to participate more actively in the coalition’s mobilisation activities.
He maintained that building political support requires consistent engagement with residents and cannot be left entirely to elected officials or party representatives.
The minister encouraged community leaders to strengthen their relationships with residents and ensure that political discussions reach people at the grassroots.
He also disclosed plans to meet with youths in the FCT on Wednesday to discuss their participation in the political process and other issues relating to the forthcoming elections.
Wike assured members of the Rainbow Coalition that arrangements were being made to support their activities, expressing confidence in the group’s ability to coordinate political mobilisation across the territory.
Minister questions FCT residents’ political choices in 2023
The minister also revisited the 2023 general elections, cautioning residents against supporting political candidates who, according to him, become inaccessible after securing electoral victories.
He questioned whether some representatives elected during the previous election cycle had maintained meaningful contact with their constituents or made efforts to understand the challenges confronting the communities they represent.
“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of the FCT?” Wike asked.
He urged residents to examine the records of political office holders rather than relying exclusively on campaign promises and political statements.
According to him, voters should consider how accessible their representatives are, what they have contributed to community development and whether they have demonstrated a genuine interest in addressing public concerns.
He further argued that candidates seeking political offices should understand the peculiar challenges of the FCT and be prepared to work towards improving conditions for residents.
Wike addresses Abaji’s electricity challenge
Apart from the political discussions, Wike addressed infrastructure concerns in Abaji, particularly the community’s electricity problem.
He renewed his commitment to ensuring that efforts were made to resolve the power supply challenge before the 2027 general elections.
The minister directed the area council chairman to intensify efforts towards restoring electricity, while urging residents to demand accountability from political leaders over development issues affecting their communities.
He maintained that politicians should demonstrate a willingness to address problems confronting residents instead of limiting their engagements to election campaigns.
The electricity commitment formed part of the development issues raised during the meeting, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and public services alongside political mobilisation.
Wike to revisit area councils for performance assessment
Wike described the Abaji gathering as the final engagement in his tour of the six FCT area councils ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that he intended to return to the different communities to assess the performance of political stakeholders and determine whether residents were satisfied with their efforts.
The minister expressed confidence in the Rainbow Coalition’s organisational structure, dismissing concerns that opposition parties could frustrate its mobilisation plans.
He urged political leaders and other stakeholders to maintain unity, improve their grassroots networks and remain committed to the coalition’s activities.
Wike reiterated his confidence in Tinubu’s re-election campaign, calling on residents across the FCT to work towards securing electoral support for the President in 2027.
The meeting brought together discussions on national leadership, political accountability, infrastructure and grassroots organisation, with Wike making it clear that he expects political stakeholders in Abuja to demonstrate their commitment through measurable results when Nigerians return to the polls.
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