Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing critique against Peter Obi, questioning the authenticity of the former Anambra State governor’s humility and dismissing his frequent visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps as a political strategy.

Wike delivered the remarks while speaking at the inaugural Idoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held in conjunction with Ochetoha K’Idoma as part of the wider Idoma Centenary Plus celebrations in Abuja. Addressing guests on the theme People, Politics and Power in Nigeria: The Agitation for Equity, Fairness and Justice, the FCT minister urged the electorate to remain vigilant against politicians he categorized as political “gamblers” ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The minister’s comments come in the wake of Obi’s recent outreach efforts. Obi, who serves as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marked milestones such as his birthday and nationwide tours by visiting vulnerable populations, including a recent trip to the Ramin Kura IDP camp in Sokoto State—marking his twelfth IDP camp visit. During these visits, Obi challenged public office holders to spend holidays experiencing the plight of displaced citizens firsthand.

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Questioning Political Motives and Public Displays

Directing his remarks at Obi’s humanitarian gestures, Wike questioned why a leader who did not prioritize celebrating milestones in IDP camps while actively governing a state would adopt such practices while running for the presidency.

“Politicians can tell lies. Yes. A man who did not celebrate his birthday when he was a governor now wants to be president and wants to celebrate his birthday in IDP camps? And you say, ‘Oh, he is very humble’. Which humility is that?” Wike queried.

Wike also broadened his criticism to target other opposition figures for public stunts aimed at courting populist sympathy, pointing to instances where politicians suddenly engage in street-level activities like buying roadside corn and groundnuts or commenting publicly on fuel prices.

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Alluding to former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s prior campaign style, Wike dismissed such actions as playing to the gallery, warning Nigerians not to be hoodwinked by superficial displays of humility.

Shifting focus to the broader national landscape, the FCT minister defended the current federal administration’s ongoing efforts to tackle entrenched economic headwinds and security deficits. While acknowledging public frustration over current living conditions, Wike urged citizens to evaluate progress by contextualizing how far the country has advanced from previous challenges.

“Nobody is happy that we are where we are. But if we are to trace our steps back to where we are coming from, are there attempts to improve the situation? So, I will take this opportunity to let you know: don’t listen to gamblers,” Wike concluded.