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A fresh exchange of words has erupted between the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following the minister’s sharp criticism of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The dispute originated after Wike accused Obi of lawlessness over his conduct during a recent town hall meeting in Lagos.
The FCT minister alleged that Obi remained seated while Nigeria’s current national anthem was being performed, only to rise immediately when the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was introduced.
Responding in an official statement released through the spokesperson of its National Campaign Council, Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC dismissed Wike’s remarks and asserted that he lacks the moral standing to lecture Obi or other Nigerians on tolerance, good leadership, or national unity.
Ikokwu argued that it was contradictory for a political figure whose career has been associated with recurring political friction and instability both within and outside Rivers State to position himself as an arbiter of Nigerian politics.
The party spokesperson further referenced Wike’s role in the political crisis following the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, alongside his shifting political alignment between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that such actions have raised questions about his political consistency.
The NDC maintained that the minister’s commentary on unity should be disregarded and urged focus on pressing national challenges such as the economy and public welfare rather than political distractions.
“Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. He has no moral right to lecture Peter Obi or anybody on unity,” Ikokwu stated.
