Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, accusing him of democratic inconsistencies and declaring that his time in Nigeria’s political space is over.
Wike made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held in Abuja, where he criticised Obi’s leadership record, particularly his alleged failure to conduct local government elections during his eight-year tenure as Anambra governor.
“Some of you said Peter Obi will be president. President where?” Wike queried, drawing reactions from the audience.
“You don’t know somebody; you just act out of emotion,” he added.
The former Rivers State governor argued that Obi’s refusal to conduct council elections contradicted the democratic principles he now preaches.
“For eight years, he was governor and never conducted local government elections. Nigerians were not angry, and they clapped for him. That is not democracy,” Wike stated.
“Only one man was governor, acting for all the LGAs.”
Wike also accused Obi of being insincere in his criticism of Nigeria’s democratic system, suggesting his views were influenced by his current political position.
“He is now saying democracy is no longer working because he’s not in power. But when he was governor of Anambra, it worked. To be chairman, to be governor, one man show,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister dismissed any talk of Obi returning to national leadership, saying emphatically: “That time has passed. There won’t be another opportunity.”
His comments come at a time of increasing political discourse around the state of governance and democratic practices in the country, especially after the 2023 general elections.
