The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, would flee to Cameroon rather than confront Nigeria’s challenges if elected president in 2027.
Wike made the allegation on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where he urged FCT residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He said Obi lacked the leadership capacity to confront the country’s problems, unlike Tinubu, whom he praised for taking difficult decisions and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Wike argued that the presidency required courage, capacity and a willingness to take responsibility, rather than political theatrics or public relations.
The minister also challenged Abaji residents to demonstrate their support for Tinubu through votes at the polling-unit and ward levels, saying he would judge political leaders by their ability to deliver their constituencies.
“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.
Wike said the FCT must outperform Rivers State in the 2027 elections, adding that he would deploy the same political mobilisation strategy in Abuja as in Rivers.
“Nobody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” he said.
He urged traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youths to mobilise voters across the six area councils to secure victory for Tinubu.
Wike also cautioned residents against repeating what he described as their mistake in the 2023 elections by voting for candidates who allegedly failed to maintain contact with their constituents after winning office.
“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of the FCT?” he asked.
The minister urged residents to assess political office holders based on their accessibility, performance and contributions to the development of the territory.
He disclosed that he would meet with FCT youths on Wednesday to discuss political mobilisation and issues affecting their participation in the forthcoming elections.
Wike also directed the Abaji area council chairman to intensify efforts to address the area’s electricity challenges before the 2027 elections.
He described the Abaji meeting as the final engagement in his tour of the six FCT area councils ahead of the elections, saying he would return to assess residents’ satisfaction with the government’s efforts.
The minister expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid and urged FCT residents to remain united in mobilising support for the president.
