The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying his frequent visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and charity gestures will not make him president.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in Abuja, Wike criticised Obi for what he described as “political showmanship” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“You can’t become president of Nigeria just by going to IDP camps for birthday celebrations. Who is interested in that?” Wike said. “Celebrating your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria or that you’re committed to change.
“When you were governor in Anambra, why didn’t you celebrate birthdays in IDP camps? Now that you want to be president, every birthday is with the less privileged. Who are you trying to deceive?”
The minister’s comments came in reaction to Obi’s recent visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, where the former governor criticised the FCT administration for the poor state of public schools. Obi had described the situation as a national disgrace and a reflection of Nigeria’s weak commitment to education.