Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has openly dismissed the chances of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, ever becoming Nigeria’s president.
Wike made the controversial statement during a thanksgiving service on Sunday at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja. The service celebrated the successful completion of project commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While addressing the congregation, Wike said Obi’s political moment had come and gone. He warned Nigerians against following political leaders blindly and accused Obi of hypocrisy over his past record in office.
“They say Peter Obi will be President — President where?” Wike asked.
“Out of emotion, most of you are just following someone you don’t know.”
Wike criticized Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, claiming he ran a one-man government for eight years.
He accused the former governor of refusing to conduct local government elections throughout his time in office.
“Only Obi was governor and chairman of all the local governments in Anambra State at the same time,” Wike said.
“Now he says democracy isn’t working but it worked for him then.”
The FCT minister concluded that Obi would not get another opportunity to lead the country, stating emphatically, “The time has passed. He won’t have the opportunity again.”
Wike’s remarks come just days after Peter Obi expressed willingness to serve a single term as president if the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) required it.
Obi remains a central figure in Nigeria’s rising opposition movement and continues to draw support from younger voters and reform-minded citizens frustrated with the status quo.
However, Wike’s comments highlight deep divisions among Nigeria’s political elite, especially as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.