Wike calls Peter Obi's modest lifestyle 'fake' ahead of 2027 race

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has dismissed the modest lifestyle associated with Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), calling it a political strategy ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike spoke on Tuesday during an engagement with youths in Rivers State, according to Daily Post and Naija News.

The minister pointed to Obi's habit of marking birthdays at camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and buying roasted corn from roadside sellers. He argued that Obi did not live that way during his eight years as governor of Anambra State.

"It's fake. Who are you going to deceive?" Wike said, asking why such gestures only appeared now that Obi is seeking the presidency. He suggested Obi's popularity was limited to social media, saying his supporters should make him "president of social media."

Why it matters

The exchange touches on something many Nigerian voters weigh up: whether a candidate's public image matches how they governed. Obi's camp has not responded to the remarks in the reports reviewed.

Wike, a former Rivers State governor, made the comments during engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections. His remarks signal that the contest over who is seen as close to ordinary Nigerians is already under way.

For voters, the debate is less about corn or birthday venues and more about what a candidate would do on fuel prices, jobs and the cost of living if elected.

What happens next

Campaigns are building toward the 2027 general elections. Nigerians will hear more claims about records in office, and it will be worth checking those records rather than taking any side's word for it.