The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of deception and playing to public sentiment under the guise of humility.
Speaking during a political visit to Edo State on Tuesday, Wike denied claims that the G-5 Governors ever backed Obi during the 2023 elections.
He criticized Obi’s public gestures, particularly his tendency to personally serve food at events, describing them as staged performances rather than genuine acts of humility.
“This is not what a presidential candidate should be doing,” Wike said. “Carrying food and serving people at public gatherings — that’s not humility, that’s pretense. How long will he keep serving food?”
He continued, “Nigerians are clapping and calling it humility, but who told you that’s what humility looks like? These are theatrics, and unfortunately, many people are falling for them.”
Wike also mocked Obi’s oft-repeated promise to use commercial flights if elected president, questioning its practicality and sincerity.
“Someone tells you, ‘When I become president, I’ll fly commercial,’ and you believe it? Which security detail will allow that? That’s not honesty — that’s a gimmick,” he said.
The FCT Minister used the moment to chastise the electorate, saying Nigerians often fall for style over substance.
“We don’t like people who tell us the hard truth,” Wike remarked. “We prefer those who play to the gallery and deceive us with sweet words and dramatic acts.”
