Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken another swipe at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he does not take him seriously.
“I don’t value anything Peter Obi says,” Wike said on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja. “Everything for him is politics.”
The FCT Minister was responding to questions about Obi’s recent criticism of government projects and policies in the FCT. Obi had faulted what he called “misplaced priorities” and urged more focus on poverty, health, and education.
Wike dismissed the comments outright. “From 2023 till now, it’s always politics with him,” he said. “Criticize for the sake of criticizing. Say something when there is nothing to say. I don’t have time for that.”
He added that his job is to deliver infrastructure and services in Abuja, not to engage in “media arguments.” “When you are working, your work will speak. When you are only talking, Nigerians will know,” Wike stated.
This is not the first clash between both men. Since the 2023 elections, Wike has repeatedly accused Obi of playing opposition politics without offering solutions. Obi, on his part, has maintained that he will keep holding government accountable on spending, transparency, and welfare.
Supporters of Obi said Wike’s comments reflect frustration with scrutiny. “If everything is politics, then governance is also politics. Nigerians deserve answers,” one X user posted.
Wike’s allies argued that Obi has no executive responsibility now, and that his role is to comment rather than build. “Wike is constructing roads, schools, and hospitals. Obi is on Twitter,” a pro-Wike account wrote.
Wike has overseen a wave of projects in Abuja since 2023, including road rehabilitations, school upgrades, and hospital equipment. He has defended them as necessary for a capital city that serves 20+ million people across the region.
Critics, including Obi, have questioned the timing and cost of some projects amid rising food prices and hardship. The exchange underscores a broader national debate: infrastructure vs immediate welfare.
Wike said he will not be “distracted” by comments from political opponents. “I was elected to work. Let those who want to talk, talk. By 2027, the people will judge,” he said…See More
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