The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rebuked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent criticism of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that the minister lacks the moral authority to lecture Nigerians on unity and leadership.
The exchange follows remarks by Wike, who accused Obi of lawlessness after a town hall meeting in Lagos. The minister alleged that Obi remained seated during the recitation of the current national anthem but rose promptly when the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was introduced.
In an official statement issued by the spokesperson of its National Campaign Council, Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC dismissed the minister’s comments as untenable and contradictory.
Ikokwu argued that it was incongruous for a political figure whose career has been marked by recurring political friction and instability, both within and beyond Rivers State, to present himself as an arbiter of national politics.
She further cited Wike’s involvement in the political crisis that followed the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, as well as his shifting allegiance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as matters that have called his political consistency into question.
According to the party, the minister’s commentary on national unity should be disregarded, with attention focused instead on pressing national concerns such as the economy and public welfare.
“Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. He has no moral right to lecture Peter Obi or anybody on unity,” Ms Ikokwu stated.