Wike Questions Peter Obi’s Loyalty To Nigeria Over National Anthem Dispute

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for demonstrating a lack of faith in Nigeria and disrespecting the national symbols.

The Minister made this known at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and APC candidates.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Rivers State, Princewill Dike, has said the 700-member APC Presidential/Rivers Rainbow Coalition Candidates Campaign Council constituted by Wike, is targeting at least four million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike said Obi’s refusal to stand during the singing of the current national anthem, while standing for an alternative anthem during the NDC rally in Lagos, raised questions about his commitment to national unity and his suitability for the presidency.

He berated Obi, saying any presidential candidate who disregards the country’s national symbols cannot be trusted with the responsibility of leading the nation.

The FCT Minister also questioned Obi’s commitment to the rule of law, citing his alleged failure to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State.

He further accused the former governor of abandoning political parties whenever internal disagreements arose, rather than remaining within the parties to resolve their differences.

Wike also criticised the opposition coalition involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, questioning their records in public office.

He specifically faulted Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation, raising questions about the state of seaports under his watch. He also alleged that the Government Secondary School, Ogu, was demolished without being rebuilt and that promises concerning a 1,000-bed specialist hospital were not fulfilled.

He cited the construction of the Ogu-Bolo Civic Centre, facilitated through the federal appointment of an indigene of the area, Boma Iyaye, as one of the benefits of the administration’s interventions.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, said the meeting brought together traditional rulers, community development committee executives, youth leaders, women groups and other stakeholders to reaffirm their support for the Rainbow Coalition.

Nemieboka attributed the community’s support to projects and political appointments secured for indigenes of the area, assuring Wike that the local government remained committed to the coalition.

Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo, King Acheseinimie Frank, highlighted infrastructure projects being executed in the area through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including sand-filling projects, internal road construction and the Kira-Ogu-Bolo Road.

Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Abeabiari, pledged the traditional institution’s support for the coalition and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.