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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has criticised Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that President Bola Tinubu remains the most credible leader to steer Nigeria through its economic and governance challenges.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike accused Obi of relying on populist gestures rather than demonstrating the practical leadership required to govern the country.
“I know Peter Obi very well. What I don’t like is people playing to the gallery. I have never celebrated my birthday in an IDP camp or a motherless babies’ home simply because I wanted to become president. Governance is not about symbolism or public relations; it is about taking responsibility and making difficult decisions,” he said.
The minister also questioned Atiku Abubakar’s suitability for the presidency, referring to criticisms allegedly made by the former vice president’s former principal.
“You heard what his former boss said about him. If the person who should naturally give you the strongest testimonial advises Nigerians to be careful, then people should reflect on that. What other recommendation do you need?” Wike asked.
He further criticised television stations for frequently inviting political commentators whom he said lacked electoral credibility to analyse national politics.
“I watch some television programmes and wonder about the people invited to discuss Nigeria’s politics. Some contested elections and scored zero votes, yet they are presented as political authorities. That is unfortunate,” he said.
Reaffirming his support for President Tinubu, Wike maintained that although the administration had not resolved every challenge confronting the country, it had demonstrated the political will to implement difficult reforms that previous governments avoided.
According to him, Nigerians should evaluate leaders based on their capacity to make tough decisions and deliver results, rather than on political rhetoric or symbolic public appearances.
