Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a fierce verbal attack against former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his leadership capacity and dismissing his popularity as a social media phenomenon.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike ridiculed Obi for carrying his own luggage in public, arguing that such gestures do not translate into the executive competence required to govern Nigeria.
Wike Questions Obi’s Legacy and Governance Style
During his address, the former Rivers State governor described Obi’s public frugality as a red flag rather than a virtue. He advised citizens to evaluate Obi’s record as Anambra governor by examining the current administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, suggesting that Soludo’s achievements highlight what his predecessor failed to build.
Wike further asserted that online popularity cannot substitute for actual administrative strength. He contrasted his own political tenacity with leaders who abandon their parties during crises, pointing to his decision to stay and fight during recent internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Allegations of Mismanagement in Rivers State
Beyond his critiques of opposition leaders, Wike raised serious allegations regarding financial transactions under previous leadership in Rivers State. He highlighted several stalled or controversial projects to support his claims.
- Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital: Wike alleged that 39 million dollars, equivalent to 53 billion naira, was committed to the 1,000-bed facility without a single foundation block being laid.
- Monorail Project: He noted that roughly 60 billion naira was spent on the urban transport project with very little physical progress.
- Gas Turbine Sale: He claimed that a power turbine transaction valued at 308 million dollars left only 308,000 dollars in the state account when he took office in May 2015.
- Mosquito Fumigation: He criticized a past proposal to spend 10 million dollars on state-wide fumigation, calling it impractical due to shared land borders with neighboring states.
2027 Alignment and Local Coalitions
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Wike reaffirmed his political alignment with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress. He expressed strong doubts about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and dismissed alternative political alliances.
He also promoted the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, explaining that the group aims to reduce political conflict by bringing APC and PDP leaders together. The coalition is set to announce its candidates, with Kingsley Chinda named as its preferred choice for the Rivers State governorship race.