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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the motives behind Peter Obi’s visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, suggesting that some politicians may use public displays of compassion to improve their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the comments on Thursday during the inaugural Idoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Abuja. The event was organised in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The FCT minister’s remarks come amid an ongoing exchange between political figures over Obi’s economic arguments and his suitability for the presidency.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently criticised Obi’s use of economic statistics and comparisons between Nigeria and other countries, particularly Bangladesh.
However, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, subsequently defended Obi, maintaining that most of the figures cited by the former Anambra governor were accurate.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.
Addressing Obi’s visits to IDP camps, Wike questioned the sincerity of the former governor’s charitable activities, particularly his decision to mark his 62nd birthday with displaced persons in Plateau State in 2023.
He argued that politicians should not automatically be regarded as humble or compassionate simply because they engage in public acts of charity while pursuing higher political office.
Wike also challenged the timing of Obi’s birthday celebration at the camp, contrasting it with his conduct during his tenure as Anambra governor.
Obi recently disclosed that he had visited 12 IDP camps across Nigeria within a few weeks.
During a visit to the Ramin Kura IDP camp in Sokoto State, he shared photographs of his interactions with children and identified the visit as the 12th in his recent outreach efforts.
The former governor also called on the government to improve living conditions in the camps, urging public office holders to spend their holidays in Nigeria to gain a better understanding of the difficulties confronting vulnerable citizens.
Wike, however, cautioned Nigerians against being influenced by politicians whose public activities, in his view, were designed to create favourable impressions among voters.
He cited instances of politicians suddenly purchasing roasted corn and groundnuts from roadside vendors or visiting filling stations to discuss fuel prices, arguing that such gestures could be attempts to portray themselves as relatable to ordinary citizens.
The minister further urged Nigerians to evaluate the performance of the current administration against the circumstances that existed before it assumed office.
While acknowledging the country’s economic difficulties and security challenges, Wike maintained that the government’s efforts to improve the situation should form part of voters’ assessments ahead of the next election.
He called on Nigerians to be cautious about politicians he characterised as opportunists as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso rejected Shettima’s criticism of Obi’s use of statistics, arguing that he routinely examines the figures presented by the NDC presidential candidate.
According to Kwankwaso, most of the statistics Obi had cited were correct, although he acknowledged that public figures could occasionally make mistakes or misspeak.
He also praised Obi’s familiarity with development data from Nigeria and other parts of the world, describing the knowledge as an advantage for someone seeking the presidency.
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