Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the possibility of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ever becoming Nigeria’s president.
Wike made the remark on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja. The service was held to commemorate the successful completion of projects commissioned under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a pointed address, Wike questioned Obi’s democratic track record and downplayed his continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“They say Peter Obi will be President. President where?” Wike scoffed. “Out of emotion, most of you are just following someone you don’t even know.”
He went on to criticize Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, accusing him of undermining democratic principles at the local level.
“For eight years, Obi was governor, but he never conducted local government elections. Now he’s saying democracy is not working, but it worked in his time?” Wike argued. “Only Obi was both governor and chairman of all local governments in Anambra State. That time has passed; he won’t have the opportunity again.”
Wike’s comments come just days after Obi formally presented a proposal for a single four-year presidential tenure to an emerging opposition coalition. The proposal is reportedly aimed at uniting key opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, confirmed the development on Tuesday, July 2.
According to Tanko, the proposal was submitted to a coalition involving high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
The move has sparked renewed conversations around potential alliances ahead of the next electoral cycle and criticism, like Wike’s suggests not all political heavyweights are on board.
