The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has subtly criticized the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, for what he described as a contradiction between Obi’s public image and his private conduct.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the official commissioning of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja. In his speech, the minister revisited an experience from his days in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recalling a campaign trip to Anambra State during which, he claimed, the delegation was treated to an array of luxury items, including Cristal Brut an elite brand of champagne.
Without directly naming Peter Obi, Wike referenced a particular individual who has publicly branded himself as frugal and anti-luxury. “I want to tell you something,” Wike said. “When the PDP was still strong and united, we traveled to Anambra for a gubernatorial campaign. After the event, we visited someone’s residence. To my surprise, there were all kinds of high-end drinks, including Cristal champagne.”
Wike continued, “I turned to him and said, ‘You claim to live modestly only one pair of shoes, one wristwatch, and you carry your own bag. But here you are offering Cristal champagne. Why are we deceiving Nigerians?’”
The FCT Minister accused politicians of misleading the public by portraying an image of simplicity while enjoying lavish comforts behind closed doors. “Why don’t we tell Nigerians the truth? People say one thing and do another. That’s hypocrisy. Many politicians claim to care for the people, but their actions reveal otherwise. It’s all a strategy to win sympathy and climb to power.”
Peter Obi, who has often been praised for his minimalist lifestyle, once told Nigerians during a 2017 speaking engagement at The Platform, a programme organized by the Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos, that he owned just two pairs of black shoes and had worn the same wristwatch for 17 years. These remarks were widely quoted to illustrate his rejection of material excess in public office.
Wike, however, appeared to suggest that such claims were more performative than genuine.
Switching focus to governance, Wike commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in completing the Kugbo transport terminal. He explained that the new facility would significantly ease transportation and enhance security, especially along the congested Nyanya-Karu corridor, which serves as a critical gateway between the FCT and neighboring Nasarawa State.
“This terminal is part of our commitment to improve the everyday lives of residents. It will reduce traffic stress, improve safety, and contribute to the general development of the area,” Wike said.
He reaffirmed his earlier pledge to replicate similar transport infrastructure projects in other satellite towns within the FCT, including Bwari and Gwagwalada, assuring residents that his administration is committed to equitable service delivery. “Whether you are rich or poor, from the city or the outskirts, we are working for everyone,” he concluded.
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