The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his comments on its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he lacks the moral authority to lecture others on national unity.
The party accused Wike of contributing to political divisions and instability, particularly in Rivers State, and urged him to examine his political record before questioning Obi’s commitment to national unity.
The NDC’s position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of its National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu.
The reaction followed Wike’s criticism of Obi over an incident at a town hall meeting in Lagos, where supporters reportedly sang the old national anthem.
Wike had accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria by remaining seated during the rendition of the current national anthem but standing when the old anthem was sung. He described the action as lawlessness and an attempt to divide the country.
However, Ikokwu said the minister’s political activities in and outside Rivers State had been associated with divisions and prolonged political instability.
She also recalled Wike’s involvement in the political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State and his movement between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to her, Wike’s political record makes his comments on national unity difficult to take seriously.
“Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. He has no moral right to lecture Peter Obi or anybody on unity,” she said.
The NDC spokesperson further explained that the rendition of the old national anthem at the Lagos meeting was spontaneous and neither organised nor planned by Obi or the party.
She added that another part of the video showed the supporters also singing the current national anthem.
Ikokwu urged Wike to stop focusing on the anthem controversy and direct his attention to the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
She said the economy, rising cost of living and hardship should take priority in political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
