Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned Peter Obi’s suitability for Nigeria’s presidency following allegations that the former Anambra governor refused to stand during the performance of the country’s current national anthem at a political gathering in Lagos.
Wike made the remarks on Friday during a political stakeholders’ meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The event was organised by the Rainbow Coalition as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
The controversy followed a video circulating on social media showing Obi, Funso Doherty, the Lagos governorship candidate, and other participants at a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) gathering in Lagos on Thursday.
According to the account presented at the meeting, the participants did not join in singing the current national anthem, opting instead for Nigeria’s former anthem, *Arise, O Compatriots*.
Reacting to the incident, Wike argued that respect for national symbols should be an important consideration when assessing anyone seeking the country’s highest political office.
He accused Obi of showing disregard for Nigeria’s national identity and suggested that the incident raised questions about his commitment to national unity.
Wike maintained that a presidential aspirant should demonstrate respect for the country’s institutions, symbols and established national values.
Wike renews criticism of Obi’s political record
Beyond the national anthem controversy, the FCT minister criticised Obi’s political history and his record as governor of Anambra State.
He alleged that Obi repeatedly moved between political parties during periods of internal disagreement instead of resolving disputes within the organisations.
Wike also questioned Obi’s commitment to democratic principles, citing the absence of local government elections during his eight-year administration in Anambra.
He argued that the conduct of elections at the grassroots level should be an important measure of a leader’s commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.
Atiku and Amaechi also come under attack
Wike extended his criticism to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
He questioned their respective records in public office, particularly Amaechi’s performance during his time as Minister of Transportation.
Among the issues raised were the condition of Nigeria’s seaports and the alleged failure to fulfil promises relating to major infrastructure projects in Rivers State.
Wike also accused the former Rivers governor of failing to deliver a proposed 1,000-bed specialist hospital and criticised the handling of Government Secondary School, Ogu.
Minister highlights projects and federal appointments in Ogu-Bolo
Turning to the development of Ogu-Bolo, Wike urged residents to support President Tinubu and candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition, arguing that the area had benefited from government projects and political appointments.
He highlighted the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre and the involvement of federal appointees from the area in attracting development interventions.
Earlier, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Chairman, Vincent Nemieboka, praised Wike for what he described as his contributions to the area’s development.
Nemieboka said the meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, women groups and other stakeholders who recognised the minister’s role in attracting projects and political opportunities to the locality.
The Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, also identified ongoing sand-filling operations, internal road construction and maintenance of the Kira-Ogu-Bolo road among the interventions benefiting the communities.
He further acknowledged the role of Wike’s office in facilitating political appointments for indigenes of the area.
Stakeholders list development projects and federal appointments
Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, pledged the community’s support for the candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition and the APC.
He disclosed that roads and development projects in the community had been named in honour of the FCT minister, describing the gesture as an expression of appreciation.
Speaking for the Ogu-Bolo stakeholders, Professor Lucky Worika also commended Wike for attracting federal attention to the locality and acknowledged President Tinubu’s appointment of people from the area to important public positions.
Among those mentioned were Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Dame Maureen Tamuno, Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company; and Senator George Sekibo, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Oil and Gas Polytechnic.
Worika attributed several ongoing development interventions in Ogu-Bolo to the federal presence secured through these appointments.
He listed the reconstruction of Ogu General Hospital, installation of a 70kVA solar power system, the Ele/Opu-ama Link Road, improvements to the Kira-Bolo Road, housing projects, scholarship opportunities and free medical outreach programmes.
He also recalled projects associated with Wike’s earlier public service, including the reconstruction of Government Secondary School, Ogu, the Kira Bridge and the elevation of the traditional stools of Ogu and Bolo.
However, Worika drew attention to continuing challenges affecting riverine communities, particularly access to healthcare, clean drinking water and reliable maritime transportation.
Despite these concerns, he reaffirmed the stakeholders’ political support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and the coalition’s preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting underscored the growing political mobilisation around the 2027 electoral contest, with Wike using the occasion to challenge opposition figures while highlighting the development projects and federal appointments he said had benefited Ogu-Bolo.
