The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken another swipe at Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), over his recent criticism of the state of public schools in Abuja.
Earlier in the week, Obi visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, describing the facility as “deeply troubling” and “inhumane,” noting that over 200 pupils were learning in deplorable conditions. He lamented the lack of basic amenities such as chairs for teachers, toilets for pupils, and functional classroom furniture, saying the school environment was unfit for learning.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in Abuja, Wike dismissed Obi’s comments as politically motivated.
“Mr. Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago; we haven’t even completed four. You were governor for eight years. If I were you, I’d keep quiet — enough is enough,” Wike said.
“You can’t become president of Nigeria by going to IDP camps for birthday celebrations. Who does that impress? Celebrating birthdays in IDP camps doesn’t prove you love Nigeria or that you’re serious about change,” he added.
The minister also accused Obi of hypocrisy, questioning why he didn’t engage in similar humanitarian gestures while serving as governor of Anambra State.
“When you were governor, did you ever visit IDP camps to celebrate your birthday? Now that you want to be president, every birthday must be with the less privileged. Who are you trying to deceive?” Wike asked.
Wike stated that his administration had already begun rehabilitating public schools across the FCT, with several renovation projects currently underway. He accused Obi of “spreading propaganda” and urged politicians to avoid turning governance issues into campaign stunts.
Taking another jab at Obi’s political standing, Wike said, “Someone who couldn’t manage his own party now wants to manage a country. He will keep contesting on social media but never as president of Nigeria.”
Obi, who turned 62 on July 19, 2023, marked his birthday by donating ₦5 million and food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Plateau State — a gesture that drew mixed reactions from Nigerians.
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