FCT Minister Warns Church Against 2027 Sentimental Voting, Slams Peter Obi’s Democratic Credentials
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Nigeria was “practically dead” before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Saint James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, to celebrate the successful commissioning of 16 projects in the FCT, Wike acknowledged the country’s current challenges but insisted that Tinubu has made tough, necessary decisions to steer Nigeria toward recovery.
“The country was dead. It takes hard decisions to bring it back to life,” Wike said. “After just two years of a country that had been run down, we expect a miracle worker? It’s not like a prayer where you say, ‘In the name of God, you are healed,’ and it happens instantly.”
The minister cautioned Christian faithful against making what he described as another potentially dangerous decision in the 2027 general elections, warning against allowing emotions and propaganda to shape political choices, as he claimed nearly happened in 2023.
“Let me use this opportunity to address the Church – we nearly made the worst mistake in 2023. It would have been a decision that could have cost some of us our future,” Wike warned.
He also took a swipe at the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, questioning his democratic credentials and leadership record. According to Wike, Obi failed to conduct local government elections throughout his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra State, contradicting the democratic ideals he often espouses.
“For eight years, he was governor. He never conducted local government elections. And you call that democracy? He was the governor and also the chairman of all the local governments,” Wike said.
On national development, the FCT Minister highlighted what he described as the mismanagement of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre by previous handlers. He claimed the centre generated only ₦50 million annually under the former operators, but since its renovation and reopening, it has already generated over ₦700 million in three weeks.
“These same people claim they want to rescue Nigeria. When you resist them, they try to smear your image,” he stated.
Wike also dismissed criticism of Tinubu over insecurity and economic hardship, noting that several issues – including the Kaduna train bombings and oil subsidy scams – predated the current administration.
“People who were in power for eight, even 20 years, had the opportunity to bring development to their states but didn’t. Now that they’re no longer in power, Nigerians are suddenly angry,” he said. “If I say I want to rescue Nigeria, ask me what I did when I had the opportunity.”
While urging the Church to continue praying for Tinubu’s administration, Wike stressed the need for patience, insisting the government is on the right path.
“All I ask of the Church is to be patient and continue to pray for Mr. President and this administration,” he concluded. “Forget those who had the chance to fix Nigeria and failed. They won’t get that chance again.”
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