‘You’ll keep running for President on social media’ — Wike says to Obi

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has taken a shot at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, suggesting that he will “keep running for President on social media instead of in Nigeria.”

Wike made his comments on Thursday while inaugurating new roads in Abuja’s Mabushi District, in response to Obi’s recent critique of the dismal conditions of public schools in the FCT.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

During a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, Obi labeled the school’s situation as “a national disgrace” and a sign of Nigeria’s “empty commitment to education,” pointing out the absence of chairs, toilets, and other essential amenities.

In a strong rebuttal, Wike accused Obi of politicizing every issue and leveraging emotional public appearances to garner sympathy online.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates visited a local school and claimed the government had abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.

He also questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, alleging that he failed to complete key projects during his eight-year tenure and even clashed with his successor.

“Peter Obi, you governed Anambra for eight years. If you had done everything right, no one would still be talking about developing the state today. Why did you even fall out with your successor?” he asked.

Wike went on to boast that he had achieved more in two years as FCT Minister than Obi did in eight years as governor.

“We’ve been in office for just two years, not even four yet. Compare our work in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra, can you truly say you love this country or your people? Certainly not,” he said.

He further dismissed Obi’s presidential ambitions, claiming that someone who could not manage a political party was unfit to lead a nation.

“You will continue to contest as President on social media, not as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t even manage your own party. How can you manage a country of over 200 million people? It’s not available for people like you,” Wike declared.