In a report by Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 7th July, 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, will never become Nigeria’s president. His remarks were made during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, held to celebrate recent project completions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
While addressing the congregation, Wike stated that Obi had already missed his opportunity to lead the nation. He emphasized that the former Anambra State governor’s political moment had passed, and that such a chance would not come his way again. Wike used the platform to voice his doubts about Obi’s political future and capacity to return to national prominence.
He also criticized Obi’s record while serving as governor of Anambra State. Wike accused him of failing to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure, a move he said undermined democratic governance at the grassroots level. According to Wike, this centralization of power was a serious flaw in Obi’s leadership style.
Wike went on to argue that Obi effectively took control of both state and local affairs by acting as the sole decision-maker. He claimed that this concentration of authority denied Anambra residents the right to elect their local representatives and weakened the democratic system. This, in Wike’s view, contrasts sharply with Obi’s current advocacy for good governance and electoral reform.
He further alleged that many Nigerians support Obi based purely on emotion rather than a clear understanding of his leadership history. Wike expressed concern that people overlook Obi’s past governance choices and instead follow him without proper scrutiny. He insisted that this emotional backing ignores critical aspects of Obi’s political record.
Wike questioned Obi’s credibility as a pro-democracy figure, noting that the former governor benefited from the democratic process he now criticizes. He dismissed any possibility of Obi attaining the presidency and urged Nigerians to critically evaluate political candidates rather than support them based on sentiment.
“They say Peter Obi will be President, President where? Out of emotion, most of you are just following someone you don’t know,” he stated.
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