Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have exchanged verbal jabs over Obi’s ambition to run for president again in 2027 and his ability to govern Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Obi reaffirmed his decision to contest the next presidential election, expressing confidence in his qualifications and readiness to lead.
“I am contesting, and I am sure I will be on the ballot,” Obi declared. “People will have to look at who has the capacity and competence to do the job. I believe I am qualified, and I can change the trajectory of Nigeria positively within four years.”
He added that while he remains a member of the Labour Party, he is also working with leaders of other opposition parties through a coalition platform recently linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi dismissed rumours of his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the effort to “rescue Nigeria” must be a collective, non-partisan one involving all patriotic citizens.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took a swipe at Obi while commissioning two newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja.
Reacting to Obi’s recent criticism of poor infrastructure in the FCT, Wike described Obi’s presidential ambition as unrealistic, branding it a “social media campaign.”
“You run as president under a party, and you cannot manage the party, ordinary party,” Wike said.
“You want to manage a country of over 200 million people? You can’t hold a party together, but you want to manage a complex nation like Nigeria? It is not available for people like you.”
Wike further accused Obi of hypocrisy, questioning the sincerity behind his public gestures such as celebrating birthdays at IDP camps.
“You cannot be President of Nigeria just because you go to an IDP camp for a birthday party,” Wike added.
“When you were governor, why didn’t you do your birthday party in an IDP camp? Now that you want to be president, you go there every day. Who are you trying to deceive? Enough is enough.”
