The media office of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the January 16, 2027 election, has taken a swipe at two serving ministers, Nyesom Wike and Festus Keyamo, over their comments concerning the controversy surrounding the national anthem.
The office expressed displeasure over what it described as the growing tendency among senior government officials to engage in political confrontations instead of concentrating on their responsibilities to Nigerians.
Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, were accused of allowing partisan considerations to influence their public engagements, particularly in their exchanges involving Obi.
In a statement released on Sunday, Idris Zekeri, spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), questioned the propriety of the ministers’ conduct, arguing that occupying sensitive government positions should come with a responsibility to exercise restraint and respect the country’s democratic institutions.
The media office maintained that ministerial appointments should not be treated as opportunities to pursue political disagreements or launch attacks against individuals who belong to opposing political camps.
According to the organisation, government officials are expected to represent the interests of the entire country rather than conduct themselves as political representatives whose primary responsibility is to defend the interests of a particular party or administration.
It further argued that the authority attached to public office belongs ultimately to the Nigerian people, who expect those entrusted with leadership positions to demonstrate accountability, fairness and commitment to national development.
The statement described the alleged use of official positions for political confrontations as unacceptable, insisting that public institutions must not become extensions of the personal political interests of those occupying government offices.
Questioning the conduct of the two ministers, the organisation said their responsibilities should not be confused with the activities of political enforcers or individuals seeking relevance through constant attacks on perceived opponents.
It stated: “The Peter Obi Media Office strongly condemns the disturbing conduct of Ministers Nyesom Wike and Festus Keyamo, who appear to be exploiting their official positions for partisan political confrontation, treating the authority entrusted to them by Nigerians as though it were personal property to be deployed against political opponents.
“Their conduct raises a fundamental question: when did public service become an instrument for political intimidation, personal vendettas and the pursuit of narrow partisan interests?”
The organisation particularly challenged the notion that aggressive political exchanges or unconditional defence of an administration should be regarded as proof of patriotism.
It explained that genuine love for one’s country should be reflected in practical contributions to national progress, respect for the law, responsible leadership and policies capable of improving the living conditions of citizens.
According to the statement, the ability to criticise political opponents or defend government policies does not automatically make an individual more patriotic than Nigerians who express different political opinions.
The media office warned that political loyalty should not be confused with national loyalty, noting that commitment to a political party or administration is different from working towards the collective interests of the country.
It urged Nigerians to examine claims of patriotism critically rather than accepting political rhetoric without considering the actions and responsibilities of those making such declarations.
“Patriotism is not measured by the forcefulness of political rhetoric, the harshness of attacks on opponents or the unconditional defence of a government. It is demonstrated by service, integrity, respect for the rule of law and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens.
“Claims of patriotism should be subjected to careful scrutiny rather than accepted without question. Nigerians must differentiate political antagonism from genuine patriotism and understand that loyalty to a political establishment is not equivalent to commitment to the nation,” Zekeri stated.
The organisation also emphasised that patriotism should not be presented as the exclusive preserve of any political party, public official or individual.
It argued that Nigerians across different political affiliations have equal rights to demonstrate their commitment to the country’s development, adding that disagreement with government policies should not be interpreted as hostility towards the nation.
The statement further drew attention to the economic and security challenges confronting the country, arguing that the present situation requires government officials to devote more attention to issues directly affecting the population.
It listed poverty, unemployment, insecurity and the rising cost of living among the major difficulties facing Nigerians, noting that these challenges demand urgent and sustained attention from those occupying positions of authority.
According to the media office, millions of citizens are struggling to meet their basic needs, making it necessary for government officials to prioritise governance over political disagreements.
It expressed concern that senior public office holders could appear more interested in exchanging political criticisms than addressing the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The organisation maintained that public institutions were established to serve the country and should not be drawn into political rivalries or personal disagreements involving influential individuals.
It also reminded the ministers that government appointments are temporary responsibilities rather than permanent possessions, warning that decisions taken while in office could have lasting consequences for the country’s democratic development.
The statement called on Wike and Keyamo to demonstrate greater restraint in their public conduct and recognise the responsibility that comes with their respective positions.
It stressed that accountability, respect for democratic principles and responsible use of public authority should guide the actions of every government official, irrespective of political affiliation.
The media office concluded that Nigeria’s development would be better served by leaders who concentrate on delivering results rather than engaging in continuous political hostilities.
It maintained that the country needs public servants capable of bringing people together, strengthening democratic institutions and addressing pressing national concerns.
“Nigeria needs public servants, not political combatants; nation-builders, not political enforcers. Patriotism must be demonstrated through service to the people, not manufactured through partisan propaganda,” the statement concluded.
The latest intervention from Obi’s media office adds another dimension to the political exchanges surrounding the national anthem controversy, with the organisation insisting that public responsibility should take precedence over partisan disagreements.
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