FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has broken his silence on the reported defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing Obi of political inconsistency and lack of ideological commitment.
Wike Criticizes Obi's Political Journey
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, May 6, Wike described Obi's political trajectory as opportunistic, noting that he has failed to build or stabilize any political party he has joined. Wike referenced Obi's exits from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during internal crises.
Wike stated, "Obi was in APGA. He couldn't build the APGA. What is good in leadership? Leadership is for you to stand up to challenges and see how you settle those crises."
Questioning Obi's Party Loyalty
The minister traced Obi's political movements, asserting that he abandoned parties when faced with challenges. Wike said, "He left APGA. He came to the PDP. He ran away from the PDP. There was one man in the PDP who was dominating everything. He went to Labour. Labour had a crisis. He couldn't also use his leadership skills to put Labour together. He ran away again from Labour."
Wike further added that Obi's shift to the ADC followed a similar pattern: "He went to ADC. Now ADC has problems. He ran away from ADC again."
'Mama Put' Comment Sparks Controversy
Wike alleged that Obi's political decisions are driven by personal interest rather than a commitment to party development. He remarked, "All he is looking for is where food is ready. 'Mama put'. Who will stabilise if you cannot stabilise?"
Supreme Court Ruling Referenced
Wike also questioned Obi's stance on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the ADC leadership dispute. He noted that Obi initially praised the judgment but later, according to Wike, his supporters suggested a trap. Wike said, "When the Supreme Court judgement came out on ADC, Obi said the Supreme Court has saved this country. Yesterday, one Obidient said they have looked at it, that there's a trap there. So after you have praised the Supreme Court, you now know there's a trap?"
Background on Wike's Previous Threats
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wike threatened to revoke permits of banks and landlords in Abuja that allowed the factional PDP to open accounts or use facilities for the sale of its 2027 presidential nomination forms. Wike, a former Rivers State governor, issued these warnings to prevent the factional PDP from conducting party activities.
This article was authored by Ezra Ukanwa, a Reuters-certified journalist and Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos, and has over five years of professional experience.
