Peter Obi’s Display Of Modesty Is Fake – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, as a “fake man” who allegedly uses public displays of modesty to gain political support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike criticised Obi for celebrating his birthdays at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and buying roasted corn by the roadside.

He contended that the former Anambra State governor did not demonstrate such behaviour while in office.

The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during an engagement with Rivers State youths under the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, where he also declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Wike alleged that Obi’s actions were politically motivated and intended to portray him as a humble leader capable of winning votes.

“Make him the president of social media so that he can be going to IDP camps, so that he will be buying corn on the road, then you will say, ‘Oh! Very humble.’ Humble where?

“It’s fake. Who are you going to deceive? When you were a governor, you didn’t go to the IDP camp to do your birthday, you didn’t go to buy fuel by yourself. All of a sudden, just because you want to be president, you are now going. Who are you going to deceive?” he said.

Wike also questioned the credibility of opposition politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Obi, insisting that political leaders should be judged by their performance rather than campaign promises.

The minister expressed confidence that the Rainbow Coalition would secure victory for Tinubu in Rivers State and the FCT in the 2027 general elections.

He argued that the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects and policy interventions had strengthened its appeal, urging Rivers residents to consider the benefits the state stood to gain from supporting the president.

“We are not playing politics for the sake of it without bringing benefits to our people. After all, we are not looking for those who are fine or finer. We are looking for those who will do something that will positively impact Nigerians and the Rivers people,” Wike said.

He added that Rivers State’s political future should be determined by the interests of its people and the benefits they could secure from the Federal Government.

Wike also disclosed that no fewer than 49 indigenes of Rivers State currently occupy prominent positions in the Federal Government.

“What is important is: where is Rivers State, where are we going, and how will the election benefit Rivers State? That’s what we’re talking about,” he said.

The minister warned voters against supporting politicians he described as inconsistent and incapable of delivering on their promises.

“You cannot vote for a political gambler. Every time, they come around making empty promises, but our people know better now,” he said.

He urged members of the coalition to strengthen their grassroots mobilisation efforts and ensure greater youth participation in campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike specifically directed the committee responsible for organising the presidential rally to include a reasonable number of young people, describing their participation as important to the coalition’s success.

Meanwhile, Kingsley Chinda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, promised to prioritise youth development, education and vocational training if elected governor of Rivers State.

Chinda, who thanked members of the Rainbow Coalition Youths for supporting the political movement led by Wike, pledged to establish an inclusive government that would address young people’s needs.

He said the proposed administration would make bursary payments a priority, with local government council chairmen expected to take responsibility for students’ welfare.

“In fact, when you talked about bursary, he whispered to me, ‘You must take it very seriously.’

“So it will be compulsory for every local government council chairman to take the issues of bursary seriously. Compulsory, without compromise,” Chinda said.

He also promised to improve technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills.

Chinda described Wike as a youth-friendly leader and said the coalition would promote unity among political stakeholders in Rivers State.

He reaffirmed the group’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, declaring that Rivers youths were prepared to mobilise for the president.

“The message we are sending out today is that the youths of Rivers State are unapologetically, unconditionally standing firm with Tinubu for President,” he said.

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