Obi Says Wike Was Happier During Their Time Working Together

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, appeared healthier and happier during the period they worked together.

Obi made the remark while responding to questions about Wike’s recent criticism of his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former Anambra State governor and Wike had crossed paths between 2011 and 2014, when Obi was governor of Anambra State and Wike served as Minister of State for Education.

During that period, Wike visited Anambra State to inspect and commission educational projects executed by the Obi administration, including renovated secondary schools.

Speaking during an online interview, Obi said he had no personal grievance against Wike despite their current political differences.

He said photographs from the period they worked together showed that the former Rivers State governor appeared to be in better physical condition and happier.

“If you look at the pictures of Mr Wike when we were moving together, you can see how healthy he is and looking very well. So, that means when we were together, he was a much, much happier person and enjoyed himself,” Obi said.

He also dismissed suggestions that his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to pursue political opponents, saying his focus was on governing and addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.

“Someone even told me that Wike said if I became president, he would be the first person I would come after. But I’m not campaigning to become president to start pursuing people. I want to go into office to focus on tomorrow, not chase people around,” he said.

Obi maintained that Wike remained his friend despite the minister’s repeated criticism of his political ambition.

“But let me assure you, I don’t have anything against Mr Wike. He remains a friend and everything,” he added, noting that material wealth does not necessarily guarantee happiness.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, currently serves as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and has publicly supported Tinubu’s bid for another term in 2027. The differing political positions of the two men have continued to attract attention as preparations for the 2027 election intensify.