NDC Fires Back at Wike Over Peter Obi, Accuses Minister of Political Hypocrisy

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported criticism of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the rendition of the old national anthem at a town hall meeting in Lagos.

The party described Wike’s comments as contradictory, questioning his moral authority to lecture other political actors on unity, political tolerance and responsible leadership.

In a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the party said the minister should reflect on his own political conduct before accusing others of promoting division and lawlessness.

The reaction followed media reports that Wike had accused Obi of encouraging division and lawlessness after NDC supporters reportedly sang the old national anthem during the presidential candidate’s town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

The NDC maintained that the rendition was spontaneous and initiated by attendees, insisting that it was neither scripted nor orchestrated by the party or its candidate.

It added that another part of the event’s video showed participants subsequently singing the current national anthem, arguing that the incident had been taken out of context.

The party also accused Wike of contributing to political divisions and instability, citing his involvement in political controversies in Rivers State, his activities across party lines and his reported political manoeuvring between the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.

According to the statement, Wike’s criticism of Obi was difficult to reconcile with the political controversies surrounding his own activities.

The NDC further accused the minister of distracting Nigerians from the country’s economic challenges and what it described as the failures of the APC-led administration.

It urged political actors to shift attention to issues affecting citizens, particularly the economy and the hardship confronting Nigerians.

The party said the 2027 electoral contest should focus on policies and solutions to the country’s pressing challenges rather than controversies over an impromptu rendition of the national anthem.