Wike questions Obi’s love for Nigeria, says talk less, work more

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of turning every issue into politics and propaganda.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of newly completed roads Esther Bali Street and Kez Udezue Street in Mabushi District, Abuja, Wike said leadership should be about results, not showmanship or public relations.

His remarks came after Obi’s recent visit to the LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, where the former governor expressed disappointment over the school’s poor condition and the absence of toilets.

Wike faulted Obi for making public comments instead of privately notifying him or relevant authorities about the issue, emphasizing that genuine leaders solve problems, not dramatize them.

“It’s not everything you must turn into politics,” Wike said. “Peter Obi, you governed Anambra State for eight years. If you had completed all the necessary projects then, nobody would still be talking about development in Anambra today.”

Wike accused Obi of neglecting the people of Anambra while keeping public funds in the bank to generate interest.

According to him, “Instead of using Anambra’s money to improve schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, you kept it in Fidelity Bank, where you had a significant stake. You made profit while the people suffered. That’s not leadership.”

The FCT Minister went on to compare his two years in office with Obi’s eight years as governor. “We’ve spent just two years in the FCT, and Nigerians can see the progress we’ve made. Compare that with your eight years in Anambra. Can you honestly say you love Nigeria or Ndi-Anambra? Certainly not.”

He advised Obi to focus more on contributing meaningful ideas rather than seeking public sympathy through symbolic gestures like visiting internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

“If I were you, I would stay quiet,” Wike said. “You can’t become President just because you attend IDP camps or birthday events. Doing your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria.

When you were governor, did you ever celebrate your birthday there? It’s now, after leaving office, that you suddenly want to appear compassionate? Who are you deceiving?”

Wike concluded by saying that leadership should not be about publicity stunts but about tangible results that improve lives.

He urged politicians, especially those aspiring to lead the country, to focus on solving problems rather than seeking attention.

“Enough of this drama,” he said. “True leaders are remembered for what they build, not for where they take pictures.”