2027: Obi stingy, unfit for presidency, Wike declares
Wike Criticizes Obi as Presidential Candidate, Emphasizes Experience in Leadership
By Omeiza Ajayi
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has labeled Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as unfit to lead Nigeria, characterizing him as “stingy.”
During a recent town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Wike questioned Obi’s decision to carry his own bags, suggesting it reflects a lack of leadership qualities. “As a former governor, you should not be too stingy to employ a personal assistant to carry your bag,” Wike remarked. “We don’t want such a stingy person as president.”
Wike asserted that Obi primarily gains his support through social media, claiming that online popularity does not equate to the experience necessary for effective governance. “I would nominate him for president of social media, but not for governing Nigeria,” he said.
The minister also scrutinized Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, pointing to the achievements of the current governor, Chukwuma Soludo, as a basis for evaluating Obi’s past performance.
Furthermore, Wike criticized politicians who change parties in response to internal disputes, arguing that true leadership requires confronting challenges head-on. “When there was a problem in the PDP, did I run? I faced them and won,” he stated.
Wike expressed skepticism regarding the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and questioned the reliability of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with whom he has a long history in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He conveyed his support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicating that he would back the party in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
In discussing Rivers State’s previous administration, he urged voters to critically evaluate the records of politicians seeking higher office rather than relying solely on their campaign promises. Wike claimed that $39 million was wasted on a proposed 1,000-bed hospital, which has yet to break ground. “As I speak to you, there is no foundation, no one block laid,” he asserted.
Wike further alleged that approximately N60 billion was spent on the state’s monorail project, questioning its effectiveness and value to residents. He also highlighted concerns regarding a gas turbine sale that was allegedly worth $308 million, revealing that only $308,000 remained in the state account upon his assumption of office in May 2015.
Additionally, he recalled a proposal for a $10 million expenditure on fumigation in Rivers State, questioning the feasibility of such an initiative given the state’s geographical context.
Looking ahead, Wike announced that the Rainbow Coalition would unveil its candidates on October 27, naming Kingsley Chinda as its candidate for the Rivers State governorship race. He indicated that some coalition candidates would run under the APC despite the coalition’s diverse party representation.
Wike asserted, “Under the Rainbow Coalition, you see APC, PDP, all of us. No more Rivers of blood, no more shooting, and fewer people will die.” He encouraged the public to support candidates with experience and dedication to public service, assuring residents that their concerns would be addressed.
He also took the opportunity to praise the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, noting that it has significantly improved access for the island community and alleviated travel difficulties previously faced by residents who relied on boats. Wike mentioned that he had informed Tinubu about the road as a key achievement for the people of Bonny.
