A fresh war of words has erupted between supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after the minister dismissed Obi as a “social media president.”
Wike, speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of newly constructed roads in Abuja’s Mabushi District, accused Obi of politicising governance issues and seeking online sympathy instead of demonstrating leadership.
“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr. Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.
The minister also took aim at Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, claiming he failed to deliver tangible infrastructure despite serving eight years in office. “If you had completed all the jobs, nobody would be talking about developing Anambra by now. Instead, you kept state funds in the bank, earning interest while people suffered,” Wike added.
He went further, comparing his own performance as FCT Minister with Obi’s time in Anambra. “In two years, we have done more in the FCT than you did in eight years as governor. You will continue to contest for President on social media, but not as President of Nigeria,” Wike said.
But the Obidient Movement — the grassroots network of Obi supporters — swiftly hit back, describing Wike’s comments as a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
Speaking to journalists in Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s media aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, said the movement was unshaken.
“How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko quipped. “As I’m speaking to you, we have a massive crowd at our town hall meeting here in Nnewi. Wike is the least of our worries.”
Tanko defended Obi’s recent criticism of FCT schools and health facilities, saying the Labour Party leader merely stated the truth about their poor state. “I was there with him. The schools are in terrible condition, and one clinic had just a single nurse on duty. Even the roads leading there are in bad shape. Instead of attacking Obi, Wike should fix those problems,” he said.
The latest exchange underscores the deepening tension between both political camps — one representing the federal establishment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and the other a reformist movement still popular among Nigeria’s youth and urban voters.
Despite Wike’s barbs, the Obidient Movement insists its focus remains on rebuilding its political structures nationwide, while maintaining that Obi’s message of accountability and governance reform continues to resonate with millions of Nigerians.
