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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent criticism of the state of public schools and infrastructure in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Wike, who spoke on Thursday , while commissioning Esther Bali Street and Kez Udezue Street in Mabushi District, described Obi’s comments as unnecessary and politically motivated.
The minister said it was wrong for the former Anambra governor to condemn conditions in the FCT on social media instead of privately alerting relevant authorities.
“If you are a responsible citizen, you don’t merely post complaints on social media. You call government attention when you see something amiss and we will respond. If I were you, I’d be quiet,” Wike said.
He accused Obi of lacking the moral standing to criticise others, alleging that during his eight years as governor, he hoarded state funds in banks instead of using them for development projects.
“When you were governor, what did you do for your people? You kept their money in banks instead of using it to build roads and schools. Now you are talking about FCT schools, please, be quiet,” he added.
Wike also took a swipe at what he called “social media presidency,” warning that public gestures such as celebrating birthdays in internally displaced persons’ camps would not make Obi president.
“You don’t become president by celebrating birthdays in IDP camps. Leadership is about work, not show,” the minister said.
He defended his administration’s record, stating that 73 public schools across the FCT were undergoing renovation, with 21 completed, while 102 educational projects had been awarded to improve learning standards.
The face-off between Wike and Obi adds to the growing tension among political leaders ahead of the 2027 elections, with Wike—still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—increasingly clashing with opposition figures since joining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.