The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing his widely publicised modest lifestyle as a political gimmick aimed at winning the sympathy and votes of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing youths in Rivers State during his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT minister questioned the sincerity of Obi’s humility, particularly his habit of celebrating his birthdays at camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and purchasing roasted corn from roadside sellers.
According to Wike, these actions are intended to create a positive public image and portray the former Anambra State governor as a humble leader who understands the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that Obi did not demonstrate the same level of simplicity and humility during his eight years as governor of Anambra State, questioning why such public displays had become prominent only after he declared his ambition to become president.
Wike maintained that Obi’s current approach was politically motivated and designed to attract public sympathy ahead of the 2027 election.
The former Rivers State governor also mocked Obi’s popularity, suggesting that his influence was more pronounced on social media than in practical politics.
In a sarcastic remark, Wike suggested that Obi should be made the president of social media, where he could continue visiting IDP camps and buying roasted corn from roadside vendors.
“Make him the president of social media so that he can be going to IDP camps, so that he will be buying corn on the road then you will say, ‘Oh! Very humble.’ Humble where?” Wike said.
He further questioned why Obi did not regularly engage in similar public displays of modesty while serving as governor of Anambra State.
“It’s fake. Who are you going to deceive? When you were a governor, you didn’t go to the IDP camp to do your birthday, you didn’t go to buy fuel by yourself, all of a sudden, just because you want to be president you are now going. Who are you going to deceive?” he asked.
Wike’s comments come as political activities and public exchanges among prominent political figures intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the NDC, has built a strong following among Nigerians who praise his perceived frugality, simple lifestyle and calls for accountable leadership.
However, Wike’s remarks challenge that public perception, with the FCT minister insisting that Obi’s modest lifestyle should be viewed as a political strategy rather than genuine humility.
The comments add to the growing political exchanges surrounding the 2027 presidential race, as politicians seek to strengthen their support bases and influence voters ahead of the election.
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