In a sharp rebuke delivered at the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, condemned the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for serving food at a recent public event. Wike described Obi’s action as a “show of shame” and an attempt to deceive Nigerians by creating an illusion of humility.
Addressing a crowd in the Edo State capital on Tuesday, Wike questioned, “How long will you be serving food as a presidential candidate? As a president, you will be carrying food and serving? And then Nigerians are laughing. Who told you that is humility? Who told you that?” He expressed disdain for what he viewed as a populist performance, warning that “Nigerians like people who will play you ‘wayo’,” implying that the public is easily misled by such acts rather than focusing on substantive leadership qualities.
Wike also took aim at Obi’s claims of intent to use commercial flights if elected president, calling the assertion unrealistic given security protocols around presidential candidates. “Which security personnel will allow you?” he remarked, highlighting the impracticality of Obi’s commercial flight pledge.
Wike’s critique was delivered in the presence of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, whose recent comments insisting that Obi obtain security clearance before visiting Edo attracted both support and controversy. Okpebholo had previously warned Obi during a rally in Benin City that unsanctioned visits could pose security risks, referencing unrest during Obi’s last state visit following his ₦15 million donation to a local nursing school, an event that resulted in four fatalities.
On this matter, Wike expressed strong agreement, stating, “When I was governor and Obi was campaigning, he would notify me before coming to Rivers State. That’s the proper way to do things. If anything happens to him while he’s in the state unannounced, the governor will be held responsible.” He reinforced the necessity for prior notice as a security measure rather than a ban on political visits, noting, “He never said Obi shouldn’t come. He only said, ‘Let me know when you’re coming so I can protect you.’ And that is the truth.”
Wike’s pointed remarks underscore the escalating political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with his comments stirring debates on social media where some see them as attempts to undermine Obi’s public image. Meanwhile, Obi defended his food-serving gesture, explaining it took place during a private Catholic charity event aimed at fostering empathy and service, not as a political stunt.
With this episode, Wike has positioned himself firmly in support of Governor Okpebholo’s strict security protocols while dismissing theatrical political acts that, in his view, distract from genuine leadership and governance. He concluded by accusing political opponents of manipulating public perception for populist gain, cautioning Nigerians to discern performative humility from authentic public service.