‘You’re a social media presidential candidate’ – Wike mocks Peter Obi over Abuja school visit

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for his recent comments on the poor state of public schools in Abuja.

Earlier in the week, Obi visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, describing the facility as “deeply troubling.”

He lamented that a school serving more than 200 pupils lacked basic amenities, including chairs for teachers, toilet facilities for pupils, and functional classroom furniture.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of new roads in Abuja, Wike dismissed Obi’s remarks as political posturing ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Mr Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago. We haven’t even completed four years. But you you were governor for eight years,” Wike said.

“If I were you, I would keep quiet. Enough is enough. You can’t become president of Nigeria just by going to IDP camps for birthday celebrations. Who is interested in that?”

Wike accused Obi of using charity as a political tool. “Doing your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria or that you’re committed to change.

When you were governor in Anambra, why didn’t you celebrate birthdays in IDP camps? Now that you want to be president, every birthday is with the less privileged. Who are you trying to deceive?” he asked.

The FCT minister said his administration is already working to improve public schools in Abuja and promised to unveil ongoing education projects next week.

He further accused Obi of spreading “propaganda” and warned politicians against turning governance issues into political weapons.

Taking a swipe at Obi’s political ambitions, Wike said, “He will continue to contest on social media but not as president of Nigeria. Someone who couldn’t manage the party he led now wants to manage a whole country.”

In July 2023, Obi marked his 62nd birthday in Plateau State, donating ₦5 million and several bags of rice to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.