Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed Peter Obi’s presidential bid under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), saying it is “dead-on-arrival” ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking during his monthly media chat Tuesday, Wike said neither the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket on the NDC nor the Atiku/Amaechi ticket on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can defeat the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
The FCT minister was particularly critical of Obi. He accused the former Anambra governor of playing “politics of sentiment,” claiming that some of his public engagements are staged to draw sympathy rather than show real leadership.
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“I know Peter Obi very well. I don’t like people playing to the gallery,” Wike said. “I never celebrated my birthdays in IDP camps or motherless babies’ homes simply because I wanted public sympathy.”
Wike said he prefers leaders whose actions match their promises. He defended President Tinubu’s reforms, arguing that ending the petrol subsidy took political courage that past governments lacked and was needed to reverse years of economic decline.
He also took aim at the ADC ticket. Wike called Atiku Abubakar an “unserious candidate,” citing warnings previously made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “The person who should give him the best testimonial has already warned Nigerians. What other testimony do you need?” he asked.
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On Amaechi, Wike described him as a “political liability” with no electoral value in Rivers State and the South-South. He questioned why Amaechi was picked as running mate, suggesting the choice was based on “financial” reasons rather than voting strength.
“He has never won a presidential election after 2011 when I was Director of Campaign,” Wike said, referencing Amaechi’s roles in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Wike maintained that the opposition remains no match for the incumbent.
