Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, will never again emerge as Nigeria’s president.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during an official Thanksgiving Service marking the successful completion of projects commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event took place at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, and was attended by several dignitaries and government officials.
Addressing the congregation, Wike argued that Obi’s political era has passed and criticised the former Anambra State Governor’s supporters for their emotional attachment rather than an informed understanding of his record.
“They say Peter Obi will be President, President where? Out of emotion, most of you are just following someone you don’t know,” Wike said, emphasising that Obi’s political relevance has diminished.
He further highlighted Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, pointing out that during his eight years in office, Obi did not conduct local government elections a crucial aspect of democratic governance.
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“For eight years, Obi was a governor but he never conducted local government elections. Now he is saying that democracy is not working but it worked in his time,” Wike added.
The minister also noted that Obi held the dual position of both governor and chairman of all local governments in Anambra State simultaneously, which he used to underscore what he saw as deficiencies in Obi’s governance approach.
Wike concluded, “The time has passed, he won’t have the opportunity again,” signalling a strong belief that Obi’s political future is limited.
This is not the first time Wike has openly expressed his scepticism about Obi’s presidential ambitions. Earlier in April, the minister revealed that he did not support Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, citing doubts about the Labour Party candidate’s chances of winning the presidency.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, garnered significant attention during the 2023 election, particularly among young voters and those dissatisfied with the traditional political elite. Despite his popularity, Obi ultimately lost to Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike’s remarks at the Thanksgiving Service reflect ongoing divisions within Nigerian politics and among opposition figures, with many debating the future viability of various presidential hopefuls ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
