The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has persistently criticized Peter Obi, the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, in response to Obi’s recent remarks about the state of public schools in Abuja.
Earlier this week, Obi visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, describing the conditions as “deeply troubling” and calling it “inhumane” for over 200 children to study in such poor facilities.
Obi highlighted the lack of basic amenities at the school, including chairs for teachers, toilets for pupils, and functional classroom furniture, deeming the environment unsuitable for learning.
However, during the inauguration of new roads in Abuja on Thursday, Wike dismissed Obi’s comments as politically motivated attacks.
“Mr. Peter Obi, we’ve only been in office for two years, not even four. Yet, you were a governor for eight years,” Wike said.
“If I were you, I would remain silent. Enough is enough. You don’t become president by celebrating birthdays in IDP camps. Who cares about that? Holding your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t show love for Nigeria or commitment to change,” he added.
Wike questioned why Obi never engaged in similar acts while governing Anambra State, accusing him of hypocrisy. “When you were governor in Anambra, why didn’t you celebrate birthdays in IDP camps? Now that you aspire to be president, every birthday is with the less privileged. Who are you trying to fool?” Wike asked.
The minister also stated that his administration has already started improving public schools in the FCT and promised to soon showcase ongoing renovation projects.
He accused Obi of spreading propaganda and urged politicians to refrain from exploiting governance issues for political gain.
Wike further targeted Obi’s presidential ambitions, remarking, “Someone who couldn’t manage the party he once led now wants to run the country. He will keep contesting on social media, but not as Nigeria’s president.”
Obi, who turned 62 on July 19, 2023, celebrated his birthday by donating ₦5 million and food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Plateau State—a gesture that has received both praise and criticism.
