- Wike criticised Peter Obi, accusing him of seeking “food is ready” political parties
- Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined the National Democratic Coalition ahead of 2027 elections
- Wike denied endorsing any candidate for the Rivers State governorship race
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi over his recent political defection, while also denying reports that he has endorsed any candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike took a swipe at Obi, accusing him of failing to build political structures within parties he had previously joined. He alleged that Obi’s pattern of movement between parties suggested a search for convenience rather than long-term political commitment.
“Obi was in APGA, he couldn’t build APGA. He went to Labour, he ran away again from Labour. All he’s looking for is a ‘food is ready’ political party,” Wike said.
Obi, alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, had recently joined the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move that has stirred reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
In the same briefing, Wike addressed speculations surrounding the Rivers State governorship race, firmly denying claims that he had endorsed any aspirant for the 2027 election.
“I haven’t endorsed anybody. And I can’t endorse anybody until the joint coalition meets,” he stated, emphasising that any decision would be taken collectively by political stakeholders in the state.
The clarification comes amid growing uncertainty over the political future of the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and heightened interest in potential successors.
Recent reports had suggested that Wike may have thrown his weight behind former State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, following a closed-door meeting with key stakeholders in Port Harcourt. However, the minister’s latest comments appear to distance him from any such endorsement.
Political analysts say Wike’s remarks highlight ongoing manoeuvring within Rivers State politics as alliances continue to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.
His criticism of Obi also underscores broader tensions among opposition figures seeking to consolidate influence before the next electoral cycle.
Makinde describes PDP crisis as difficult moment for Nigeria’s democracy
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had described the current situation within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a challenging period for both the party and Nigeria’s democratic system following the recent Appeal Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership crisis.
The governor said the political atmosphere in the country remains troubling but expressed confidence that the situation would eventually improve.
Makinde urged party leaders to remain mindful of history while expressing hope that the political tensions would eventually pass.