The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comments on the poor condition of public schools in Abuja.
Obi had visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, earlier in the week, describing the school’s environment as “deeply troubling” and “inhumane.” He noted that the school lacked basic facilities such as chairs for teachers, toilets for pupils, and functional classroom furniture, which he said made learning difficult for children.
Responding during a road inauguration ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Wike dismissed Obi’s remarks as political propaganda 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 were governor for eight years. If I were you, I would keep quiet,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister accused Obi of using humanitarian gestures for political relevance, referencing his birthday celebrations held at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
“Doing your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria. 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?” Wike added.
He also asserted that his administration has initiated reforms to improve education infrastructure across the FCT and would soon present evidence of ongoing projects to the public.
Wike further took a jab at Obi’s political career, saying, “Someone who cannot manage the party he used to run now wants to manage a country. He will continue to contest on social media but not as president of Nigeria.”
Peter Obi, who turned 62 in July 2023, celebrated his birthday in Plateau State, where he donated ₦5 million and food items to IDP camps.
The exchange adds to the growing political tension between opposition figures and members of the current administration as the 2027 general elections approach.
