Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, unfit to lead Nigeria, accusing him of lawlessness and plotting to divide the country over his refusal to stand for the official national anthem.
Wike’s outburst follows a viral video from an NDC town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday, where Obi and his supporters remained seated during the official national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” before standing to sing the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Reacting at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday, the minister insisted that anyone who disrespects national symbols cannot be entrusted with the presidency.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and party faithful, Wike said, “A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria [was sung], he stood up.
“In a way, he does not belong to this country. In a way, he has said he does not belong to this country; that if you give him the president, he would do a different thing that will divide Nigeria.
“A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country,” the minister said.
Beyond the anthem row, Wike took aim at Obi’s political history and governance record. He alleged that the former Anambra State governor routinely abandons political parties whenever internal crises erupt, rather than staying to resolve them.
He further faulted Obi for failing to conduct local government elections during his eight-year tenure as governor, calling it a direct contradiction to his professed belief in the rule of law.
Wike also turned his attention to the presidential candidate of the ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their track records in public office.
He cited the state of seaports during Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation and alleged that the previous state administration demolished Government Secondary School, Ogu, without rebuilding it, while failing to deliver on promises of a 1,000-bed specialist hospital.
Urging the people of Ogu-Bolo to ignore what he described as “big grammar” from opposition politicians on television, Wike maintained that President Tinubu’s administration has delivered tangible dividends of democracy to the area.
He pointed to the conduct of local government elections and the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, which was facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene, Boma Iyaye.
He urged residents to massively support the re-election of Tinubu, alongside Kingsley Chinda for Governor of Rivers State and all APC candidates vying for National Assembly seats.
Earlier, the Council Chairman, Mr. Vincent Nemieboka, noted that the gathering united the council’s core leadership, including traditional rulers, Community Development Committee, CDC, executives, youth leaders, women groups, and elders. Nemieboka stated that the council’s support for Wike is anchored on visible projects and key political appointments secured for indigenes.
“I will not be boasting if I say you should consider everybody here as your supporter. Considering the volume of things, projects, and appointments you have implemented in this local government area, we will be glad to welcome you always, support you always, and follow you always,” he said.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, backed the chairman’s remarks, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects executed through the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The monarch listed active sand-filling works, internal road networks, and the construction and maintenance of the Kira–Ogu-Bolo road as proof of the administration’s impact, while expressing gratitude for three major political appointments facilitated through the minister’s office.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, reaffirmed the traditional institution’s loyalty, pledging total victory for all Rainbow Coalition and APC candidates. Abeabiari disclosed that the community had named two prominent infrastructure sites, Wike Road at Enelechi Phase 1 and the Wike Sandfield, in honor of the minister.
“Your Excellency, go home and sleep. Without doubt, by noon on Jan. 16 2027, all candidates will be delivered.,” he said.
Delivering an address on behalf of Ogu-Bolo stakeholders, Prof. Lucky Worika commended Wike for his developmental impact and political empowerment of indigenes, declaring their full backing for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
Worika noted that Wike’s tenure as Rivers governor and his current role in Abuja have brought unprecedented federal presence to the area.
He thanked President Tinubu and Wike for securing key federal appointments for indigenes, specifically naming Alabo Boma Iyaye as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the NDDC; Dame Maureen Tamuno as Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company; and Senator George Sekibo as Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Oil and Gas Polytechnic.
Worika also highlighted Wike’s past achievements in the area as Rivers State Governor and Minister of State for Education. He listed the reconstruction of Government Secondary School Ogu, the Kira Bridge, the Ogu/Eteo and Ogu/Wakama Link Roads, a landing jetty in Ele Community, and the elevation of the Ogu and Bolo traditional stools to first- and second-class status, among other projects.
While acknowledging Ogu-Bolo’s maritime, agricultural, and tourism potential, Worika drew Wike’s attention to persistent riverine challenges, including healthcare access, potable water, electricity, maritime transport, and environmental sustainability, urging him to attract further federal investment.
Reaffirming the community’s commitment to peace and youth enterprise, Worika outlined their political roadmap ahead of the 2027 polls.
“On our part, we pledge our continuing loyalty and indefatigable support for our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, and Hon. O.K. Chinda as Governor of Rivers State in 2027, as well as your political aspirations,” the address stated.
