Nigeria’s FCT minister questions the former Anambra governor’s leadership credentials, saying he is better suited to leading online conversations than governing the country.
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked Peter Obi, saying he would vote for the former Labour Party presidential candidate as the “president of social media” rather than as Nigeria’s leader.
Wike made the remark on Saturday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he criticised Obi’s leadership style and questioned his capacity to govern Africa’s most populous country.
The minister’s comments appeared to target Obi’s strong online following, which has played a significant role in his political mobilisation and public profile.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has maintained considerable support among young Nigerians and social media users, particularly since his performance in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, did not spare the opportunity to cast doubt on Obi’s leadership credentials, suggesting that popularity on social media was not enough to demonstrate the ability to govern a country.
The remarks add to the political exchanges surrounding Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape as politicians position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
The comments are likely to reignite debate over the role of social media in Nigerian politics, particularly the extent to which online popularity translates into electoral support and effective governance.
