FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised Peter Obi, describing the former Anambra State governor as stingy and unsuitable to become Nigeria’s president.
According to Vanguard, Wike made the remarks during a town hall meeting in Bonny, Rivers State, where he mocked Obi for carrying his own bags instead of employing a personal assistant.
“As a former governor, you cannot be stingy not to have employed a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president,” Wike said.
He also described Obi as the “president of social media,” arguing that online popularity does not necessarily translate into the ability to govern the country.
“If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it is capital no!” he added.
Wike questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, referencing the performance of incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He also criticised politicians who leave their parties during internal crises, citing his decision to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during its challenges.
“Did you see when there was a problem in PDP? Did I run? I defeated them,” he said.
The minister further questioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike also made allegations concerning projects and financial transactions under the previous Rivers State administration. He claimed that $39 million, which he put at ₦53 billion, had been spent on a proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital without construction reaching the foundation stage.
“Thirty-nine million US dollars, 53 billion naira, gone! As I speak to you, there is no foundation, no one block laid,” he said.
He also questioned the alleged ₦60 billion monorail project, raised concerns over a reported $308 million gas turbine sale, and criticised a proposed $10 million mosquito fumigation exercise. The claims were not independently verified in the account provided.
On Rivers State politics, Wike said the Rainbow Coalition would unveil its candidates on October 27, naming Kingsley Chinda as its choice for the Rivers governorship race. He added that some candidates under the coalition would contest on the APC platform.
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