Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of showing disrespect for Nigeria and its national symbols, arguing that his conduct makes him unsuitable for the presidency.
Wike made the allegation on Friday, November 13, during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to canvass support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The minister criticised Obi over an alleged incident in which the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) reportedly remained seated during the singing of Nigeria’s national anthem but stood when another anthem was played.
Wike described the alleged conduct as evidence of disregard for the country and questioned Obi’s commitment to national unity.
“A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria [was sung], he stood up.
“In a way, he does not belong to this country. In a way, he has said he does not belong to this country; that if you give him the president, he would do a different thing that will divide Nigeria.
“A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country,” the minister said.
Wike also questioned Obi’s political record, accusing him of frequently leaving political parties whenever disagreements arise instead of remaining to resolve internal disputes.
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He further faulted the former Anambra governor for failing to conduct local government elections throughout his eight years in office, describing the action as inconsistent with his advocacy for the rule of law.
The FCT minister extended his criticism to the opposition alliance involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
He questioned Amaechi’s performance as Minister of Transportation, particularly the condition of Nigeria’s seaports during his tenure.
Wike also alleged that Government Secondary School, Ogu, was demolished under the previous administration without being rebuilt, while promises to construct a 1,000-bed specialist hospital were not fulfilled.
Urging residents to look beyond what he described as opposition politicians’ “big grammar” on television, Wike said Tinubu’s administration had delivered projects and political opportunities to Ogu-Bolo.
He cited the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye, as well as the conduct of local government elections.
Wike urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election, Kingsley Chinda’s governorship ambition in Rivers State and APC candidates contesting National Assembly seats.