The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, describing him as too stingy to become Nigeria’s president and questioning his capacity to lead the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and urged residents to support the President’s re-election bid.
Taking aim at Obi’s reputation for personal frugality, Wike argued that the former governor’s habit of carrying his own bags did not demonstrate the qualities he believed were necessary for the presidency.
“As a former governor, you cannot be stingy not to have employed a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president,” Wike said.
The minister also dismissed Obi’s popularity on social media as insufficient evidence of his ability to govern Nigeria, arguing that online recognition should not be confused with the experience and capacity required to manage the country’s affairs.
“Truly speaking, I gave him president of social media. If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it is capital no!” he said.
Wike further questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, suggesting that Nigerians should assess his previous administration against the performance of the state’s current governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
He also cited his own experience in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that political leaders should demonstrate their ability to confront internal disputes and difficult situations rather than abandon them.
The remarks add to the intensifying political exchanges ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with leading political figures increasingly challenging one another’s records, policy positions and leadership credentials.
Wike’s comments represent his assessment of Obi’s suitability for office. Obi’s supporters have frequently presented his reputation for financial prudence as a strength, while the broader debate over presidential suitability encompasses economic management, public accountability, security and governance experience.