Peter Obi Observes Wike Was Healthier, Happier During Earlier Alliance

The presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, recently remarked that the current Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, presented a more robust and cheerful demeanor when they previously collaborated in their political careers.

Obi and Wike had a working relationship during the period when Obi served as the governor of Anambra State, and Wike was the Minister of State for Education, specifically between 2011 and 2014. During this tenure, Wike undertook visits to Anambra to inspect and formally commission educational projects that Obi's administration had implemented, including the renovation of several secondary schools.

During a recent online interview, Obi was asked to address statements Wike had made regarding his presidential aspirations. Obi clarified that he harbored no personal animosity towards the former Rivers State governor. However, he noted his observation that the minister appeared more content and physically well during their past joint efforts, adding that possessing substantial wealth does not automatically guarantee happiness or well-being.

Commenting on Wike's frequent assertions that he would never become Nigeria's president, Obi stated: "Well, 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. But let me assure you, I don’t have anything against Mr Wike. He remains a friend and everything. Sometimes, you can have too much money and everything, but you don’t have happiness." He further reiterated sentiments from a social media post, mentioning that "Nyesom Wike was looking healthier when we were working together. When Wike and I were together, he was a much happier person and was enjoying himself. Someone even told me that Wike said if I became president, he would be the first president. I’m not campaigning to be president…"

Ahead of the upcoming 2027 general election, Wike has publicly thrown his weight behind the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), incumbent President Bola Tinubu. Wike had also supported Tinubu in the 2023 elections and currently serves as FCT Minister under his administration.