Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, voiced strong criticism against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), for allegedly refusing to recite the national anthem during a recent town hall meeting.
During the event, held in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike expressed that a leader who disrespects national symbols cannot be trusted with the presidency. He stated that Obi’s actions reflected a disregard for Nigeria, arguing that someone who does not honor the country’s national anthem poses a risk to national unity.
Wike elaborated on his concerns, stating that during the singing of the national anthem, Obi remained seated, whereas he stood up for a different anthem that is not representative of Nigeria. Wike characterized this behavior as indicative of someone who might not have the best interests of the country at heart if elected to high office.
In addition to his criticisms of Obi, Wike also targeted the political record of the opposition coalition, specifically referencing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Wike questioned their service records, particularly concerning infrastructure and administrative promises made during Amaechi’s time as Minister of Transportation.
He called on residents of Ogu-Bolo to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, as well as local candidates affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike highlighted recent developments in the region, including the construction of infrastructure such as the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, which he attributed to Tinubu’s administration.
At the town hall meeting, community leaders expressed their gratitude toward Wike for his contributions to local development and voiced their commitment to supporting Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
