Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on Peter Obi, claiming the former Labour Party presidential candidate lacks the stomach to navigate Nigeria’s deep-seated governance hurdles and would literally flee to neighbouring Cameroon if tested by the demands of the presidency.

Speaking on Tuesday during a Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ meeting in Abaji Area Council, Wike dismissed opposition politics as reliant on public relations and rhetoric, framing leadership as a test of grit that requires taking unpopular, difficult decisions head-on.

“Nigeria needs a leader who stays in the trenches when the storm hits, not someone who backs out at the first sign of real trouble,” Wike declared, drawing a direct contrast between Obi and President Bola Tinubu, whom he praised for taking tough administrative choices.

The high-octane rally marked the final stop of Wike’s political tour across the six FCT area councils, where he aggressively mobilized local grassroots backing for President Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election campaign.

Related Stories

Throwing down a political challenge to the Abaji leadership, the former Rivers State governor warned local stakeholders that verbal pledges of loyalty mean little without concrete electoral numbers.

“I won’t just take promises from political leaders. I will measure your support by what happens at your polling units and wards,” Wike warned. “Nobody is competing with Rivers. The only people who will compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I do over there, I will replicate here. So make sure you beat Rivers.”

Wike also urged residents to avoid repeating what he described as their 2023 electoral mistakes, pointing out that voters had previously elected candidates who vanished immediately after securing victory.

“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Have you seen the person again? Has he come back to address you or ask what your problems are? Has he moved a single issue that affects the interest of the FCT?” he challenged the audience.

Addressing local infrastructure grievances, Wike directed the Abaji Area Council chairman to accelerate efforts toward restoring stable electricity supply to the council before the 2027 elections. He noted that he would return periodically to gauge community satisfaction with the administration’s development projects.

Wike is scheduled to wrap up his mobilization drive on Wednesday in a town hall meeting with FCT youth groups to outline strategies for political participation in the upcoming election cycle.