News

Wike Criticizes Peter Obi for Serving Food at Event, Calls It Political Gimmick

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 23rd, 2025.

Wike Criticizes Peter Obi for Serving Food at Event, Calls It Political Gimmick

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for serving food at a recent event, calling the gesture misleading and theatrical.

Wike made the statement during the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City on Tuesday. He expressed strong disapproval of Obi’s action, describing it as a staged attempt to appear modest.

“Is that what a presidential hopeful should be doing—serving food at a party?” Wike asked. “How long will he keep serving food to prove a point? That’s not humility. It’s just a show to impress people and make it look like he’s down-to-earth.”

He also questioned why Nigerians fall for such performances, warning that such public displays are deceptive and far from the reality of leadership responsibilities.

“People say he uses commercial flights—do you think security agencies would even allow that for someone who seriously wants to lead this country? Let’s be honest with ourselves,” he added. “Was he serving food when he was a governor? Now, just because elections are near, he’s suddenly playing the ‘man of the people’ card.”

Wike also supported recent comments made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had warned Obi to seek proper security clearance before making visits to the state. Okpebholo had claimed that during Obi’s last visit, which included a N15 million donation to a nursing school, there were reports of unrest that allegedly led to multiple fatalities.

“If Obi wants to visit Edo, he must coordinate with security agencies. No one is stopping him, but public safety has to come first,” Okpebholo stated at a rally.

Backing the governor, Wike emphasized the importance of transparency and communication when political figures travel, saying the concern is about protection, not politics.

“Governor Okpebholo is right. If someone like Obi is coming to a state, proper protocol should be followed,” Wike said. “He never said Obi shouldn’t come. He only insisted on being informed to ensure safety. Sadly, people twist these facts just to stir controversy.”

Wike further alleged that some individuals are being paid to appear on television and misrepresent political statements, urging Nigerians to stay alert to manipulation.