NDC Responds After Wike Criticised Obi Over National Anthem Snub

According to a report by Channel Television on Saturday, November 14, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his comments against the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his conduct during the singing of the national anthems at an event in Lagos.

Wike had accused Obi of showing disrespect to Nigeria and its national symbols after allegedly remaining seated while the current national anthem was being performed but standing when supporters sang the former national anthem.

The minister made the remarks on Friday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The event was organised by the Rainbow Coalition as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027 and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

Wike questioned Obi’s commitment to national unity, arguing that a presidential aspirant who allegedly disregards the country’s national symbols should not be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Nigeria.

However, the NDC dismissed the minister’s criticism, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to lecture others on political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, described Wike’s comments as hypocritical, pointing to his political activities and controversies in Rivers State.

The party accused the FCT minister of contributing to political divisions and instability in Rivers State, particularly through his involvement in the political disputes surrounding the 2023 general election.

It also criticised his movement across political interests involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, arguing that his political decisions had generated considerable controversy.

The NDC maintained that Wike should address the political challenges associated with his own activities rather than attempting to question Obi’s commitment to national unity.

On the controversy surrounding the national anthem, the party explained that the decision to sing the former anthem during Obi’s Lagos town hall meeting was spontaneous and initiated by supporters present at the gathering.

According to the NDC, the rendition was neither planned nor organised by the party or its presidential candidate but emerged naturally from the enthusiasm of participants at the event.

The party further clarified that supporters also sang the current national anthem during the gathering, insisting that the incident should not be misrepresented as evidence of hostility towards Nigeria or its national symbols.

The NDC accused Wike of attempting to divert public attention from the country’s economic difficulties by focusing on the controversy surrounding the anthem.

It argued that Nigerians should be more concerned about pressing national challenges, including rising living costs, economic hardship and other difficulties facing households under the APC-led administration.

CBSNewsupdate feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com