Wike attacks Obi over national anthem conduct at Lagos event
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticized NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi's conduct during a town hall meeting, citing his handling of the national anthem.
Nyesom Wike, who serves as Federal Capital Territory Minister, has assailed Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi. The attack centres on allegations that Obi showed disrespect toward national symbols at a Lagos party gathering.
At a stakeholders' meeting held in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State, Wike spoke before the Rainbow Coalition. This platform was organised to mobilise backing for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
His concerns focused on Obi's patriotism, which he linked to behaviour involving the national anthem. Accounts of the incident vary across reporting.
According to one narrative, Wike criticised Obi for sitting during the current anthem but rising when the old one played. A second account claims Wike accused Obi of refusing to stand for the official anthem while standing for the outdated version instead.
A third report notes that supporters at the event sang the old national anthem in a spontaneous manner. Wike portrayed the conduct as lawlessness.
He contended that any leader unwilling to respect national symbols lacks the trustworthiness required to lead a nation. The Nigeria Democratic Congress pushed back through Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, spokesperson of its National Campaign Council.
She dismissed Wike's comments as a diversion tactic aimed at shifting public focus from Nigeria's economic hardship. The party characterised the anthem singing as spontaneous and urged Wike to concentrate instead on the country's pressing economic challenges.
She rejected what she termed distraction tactics coming from the minister. Wike's criticism extended further, touching on Obi's political background and his record as governor of Anambra State.
The minister maintained that such conduct renders Obi unsuitable for the presidency. He stated that leaders who show disregard for national institutions ought to be kept from reaching the nation's highest office.
This confrontation represents another significant moment in Nigeria's path toward the 2027 election, pitting the ruling All Progressives Congress against opposition forces.
