The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as a “food is ready” politician.
Wike said Obi lacked the capacity to confront the challenges that come with leadership.
The former Rivers State governor spoke on Monday during his monthly media parley in Abuja.
Wike said Nigeria’s challenges required leaders who could withstand pressure and confront difficulties directly.
According to him, leadership is not about criticising others or seeking an easy path to power.
“Peter Obi is like food is ready, ‘mama put’. I don’t want struggling in this country. There are challenges. You must have the capacity to face those challenges,” Wike said.
The FCT minister said true leadership is tested during difficult moments.
He recalled his experience in the Peoples Democratic Party, saying he resisted pressure to leave the party despite internal crises and the influence of political opponents.
“You saw in PDP, all the governors, I said I will not leave this party. They had money, yes, but it’s not money. I said I was not going to leave, rather you will leave. Have I left? Have you not left?” he stated.
Wike also recalled the criticism he faced when he became FCT minister.
He said he endured heavy public attacks but remained focused on his responsibilities.
“That’s what makes you a leader. That’s what makes you a man. Leadership is not bashing you. That’s not leadership. You remember when I came here as a minister, there was nothing I did not, no abuse I did not get,” he added.
