Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ridiculed the presidential flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, claiming that the former Anambra State governor’s chances of securing victory in the 2027 presidential election are limited to online platforms.
Wike made the remark while addressing political stakeholders during a town hall gathering in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday. He stated that Obi might receive his support if the contest were strictly about electing a leader for social media, but maintained that the former governor lacked the capacity to lead Nigeria as president.
According to the minister, Obi enjoys considerable attention across social media platforms, although he questioned whether such popularity could translate into electoral success and effective leadership of the country.
“Truly speaking, I give Obi president of social media. If you were voting for the president of social media, I would vote for him,” Wike said.
The FCT minister’s comments reflect his continued criticism of Obi, who previously served as governor of Anambra State and is now seeking Nigeria’s highest political office under the NDC platform.
Wike further attacked Obi’s financial disposition, portraying him as a politician who is reluctant to spend money. He argued that such a personal characteristic raised concerns about whether the former governor could effectively manage the country’s economy if elected president.
The minister’s remarks have added to the ongoing political exchanges among prominent figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition parties and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to position themselves for the forthcoming contest.
DAILY POST reports that Wike currently plays a prominent role in the APC’s presidential campaign structure in Abuja and Rivers State. Despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the minister has repeatedly criticised Obi and other opposition figures, challenging their political credentials and prospects of defeating the incumbent president.
His latest statement comes amid intensifying political activities and growing debate over the strength of opposition candidates ahead of the next presidential election.
Wike has also consistently expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances of securing another term in office. The minister has maintained that the president would emerge victorious in the forthcoming election, while dismissing the possibility of opposition candidates unseating the incumbent administration.
The comments also underscore the political tension surrounding the emergence of opposition figures seeking to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid. With political parties preparing for the electoral contest, public statements by influential politicians have continued to generate discussions about candidates’ popularity, campaign strategies and ability to attract support beyond social media platforms.
However, Wike’s remarks represent his personal assessment of Obi’s political prospects and should not be taken as an established determination of the election’s eventual outcome.
