RismadarVoice Reporters
October 24, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as stingy and questioning his suitability to lead Nigeria.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with political stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor questioned Obi’s public image, reportedly mocking the former Anambra State governor for carrying his own luggage despite previously occupying high public office.
Wike argued that such personal habits did not demonstrate the leadership qualities he considered necessary for the presidency.
He also dismissed Obi’s popularity on social media as an insufficient measure of political competence, suggesting that online support should not replace scrutiny of a candidate’s record in government.
The minister challenged Nigerians to examine Obi’s performance as Anambra governor and compare his achievements with those of the state’s current governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
Wike extended his criticism to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition politicians, questioning their political consistency and leadership records.
He maintained that voters should evaluate candidates based on their experience, achievements and capacity to deliver development.
Reaffirming his political position, Wike declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
He also defended the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as a platform bringing together politicians from different parties to support candidates with shared political interests.
The minister announced that the coalition would unveil its candidates on Tuesday, October 27, with Kingsley Chinda identified as its preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election.
Turning to the records of previous Rivers State administrations, Wike questioned expenditure on several major projects, including the proposed Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital and the Port Harcourt monorail.
He alleged that approximately $39 million had been paid towards the hospital project without corresponding construction progress.
Wike also questioned the reported sale of a state-owned power asset for $308 million, claiming that only a small fraction of the proceeds remained when he assumed office in May 2015.
The allegations were not accompanied by fresh documentary evidence at the meeting, and responses from the former officials criticised were not available.
Wike further praised the Bonny-Bodo Road project, saying improved road connectivity had reduced transportation difficulties for residents of Bonny Island.
He urged Rivers residents to assess political leaders by their records in office as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
