Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over a recent viral video where Obi was seen serving food at a social event.
Wike, speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, described Obi’s actions as a “show of shame” and accused him of pretending to be humble to gain political sympathy.
“This is not where a presidential candidate will begin to serve food. No! No!! How long will he be serving the food?” Wike said to a crowd of supporters.
“As a president, will you be carrying food and serving? And then Nigerians are laughing. Who told you that is humility?”
The former Rivers State governor questioned the sincerity of such public gestures, saying Nigerians are too easily swayed by political stunts.
“When he was governor, was he serving food? And now that elections are approaching, he has started again — playing on people’s emotions. Nigerians like ‘wayo’,” Wike said.
Wike also criticized Obi’s claim of flying commercial aircraft to appear relatable, dismissing it as another publicity gimmick.
“Somebody will tell you that as a presidential candidate, he is using commercial flights — and you believe it? Which security personnel will allow that?” he asked.
Backs Okpebholo’s Warning to Obi
Wike further defended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who recently warned Peter Obi to obtain proper security clearance before visiting the state. The governor claimed that during a previous visit where Obi donated N15 million to a nursing school, violence broke out, leading to four deaths.
“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance,” Okpebholo had said at a rally.
“We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise. If anything happens, he’ll have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
Wike endorsed the governor’s position, saying it was not a political attack, but a matter of public safety and protocol.
“All I am saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I am here to protect you,” Wike said.
“Nobody said, ‘Don’t come.’ But people will play politics and send people to go on television and twist facts.”
The remarks have stirred further tensions in Nigeria’s pre-election climate, with many interpreting the comments as part of a broader effort by political heavyweights to discredit Peter Obi’s rising popularity.
