Obi will run to Cameroon if confronted with burdens of presidency – Wike
By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for lacking the requisite skills to address Nigeria’s complex challenges. Wike suggested that should Obi be elected, he would abandon the country’s problems and flee to Cameroon.
Wike made these remarks during the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.
The minister argued that Nigeria requires a leader capable of confronting its difficulties rather than evading them. He commended Tinubu for his willingness to make tough decisions, emphasizing that the presidency demands resilience and accountability.
Wike called on the leaders of Abaji to demonstrate their commitment to Tinubu at the polls. He cautioned political figures against making unfulfillable promises, stating he would assess their performance based on their effectiveness in delivering votes for the President in the upcoming election.
“I want to see your support at the polls,” Wike said, addressing Abaji’s leaders through their chairman and councillors. He specifically urged the local council’s chairman and other leaders to deliver victory for Tinubu in their respective wards, asserting that true leadership should reflect itself in electoral outcomes.
The minister expressed a desire for the FCT to not only match but exceed Rivers State in electoral performance, stating his intention to deploy similar political mobilization strategies in Abuja.
“Nobody is competing with Rivers. The real competition lies with the FCT, and I will apply the same effort here as I did there. Ensure you surpass Rivers,” Wike stated.
He also warned residents against repeating what he termed the mistakes of the 2023 elections, when voters allegedly supported candidates who became distant from their constituents after winning.
“You elected someone you barely knew. Is it not correct? Have you seen that person since? Have they addressed your concerns? Have they initiated projects to benefit the FCT?” he asked.
Wike announced plans to meet with FCT youth on Wednesday to discuss political mobilization and their role in the upcoming elections. He reassured stakeholders that preparations for the electoral campaign were underway and expressed confidence in the Rainbow Coalition’s ability to rally support for Tinubu.
Additionally, Wike reiterated his commitment to resolving the electricity issues in Abaji before the 2027 elections, directing the local council chairman to expedite efforts to restore power supply. He encouraged residents to hold political aspirants accountable for community development challenges.
