Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh attack on the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of disrespecting Nigeria’s national symbols and allegedly demonstrating an intention to divide the country.
Wike alleged that Obi displayed lawlessness by refusing to stand during the rendition of Nigeria’s official national anthem, arguing that such conduct raised questions about his commitment to the unity and sovereignty of the country
The minister made the allegations on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and party supporters, Wike maintained that anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must demonstrate respect for its national identity and symbols.
He said, “A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria was sung, he stood up.”
The FCT minister further alleged that Obi’s conduct suggested a lack of commitment to Nigeria, warning that entrusting the country’s leadership to someone who allegedly disrespected its national symbols could threaten national unity.
“A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country,” he declared.
Wike Questions Obi’s Democratic Credentials
Beyond the national anthem controversy, Wike questioned Obi’s political consistency, accusing the former Anambra State governor of repeatedly abandoning political parties whenever internal disagreements emerge.
He argued that rather than remaining in political parties to resolve internal crises, Obi had developed a pattern of moving from one platform to another.
Wike also faulted Obi for allegedly failing to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State.
He described the alleged failure as contradictory to Obi’s public advocacy for good governance, accountability and the rule of law.
Fires At Atiku, Amaechi Over Records In Office
The FCT minister also turned his guns on opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Questioning their records in public office, Wike particularly challenged Amaechi’s performance as Minister of Transportation, citing the condition of Nigeria’s seaports during his tenure.
He also accused the former Rivers governor of demolishing Government Secondary School, Ogu, without rebuilding the institution.
Wike further recalled what he described as unfulfilled promises concerning the construction of a 1,000-bed specialist hospital, questioning the opposition politicians’ claims of competence and capacity to govern.
Wike Urges Rivers Residents To Back Tinubu
The minister urged residents of Ogu-Bolo to disregard what he described as the opposition’s political rhetoric and television appearances, insisting that the Tinubu administration had delivered concrete development projects to their communities.
As evidence, he cited the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, which he said was facilitated through the appointment of an indigene of the area, Boma Iyaye, into a federal position.
He also highlighted the conduct of local government elections as part of the democratic dividends delivered to the people.
Wike subsequently urged residents to mobilise massive support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as well as Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State and all APC candidates contesting National Assembly seats.
He maintained that the people should assess political leaders based on their records in office and tangible achievements rather than campaign promises and political rhetoric.
