Wike has no moral authority to lecture Obi on national unity - NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rebuked Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for lecturing opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi on national unity. The party contends that Wike lacks the moral authority to address such matters due to his own political conduct, which has been marked by divisions, instability, and controversies.

Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, NDC spokesperson for the National Campaign Council, made this assertion in response to Wike's criticism of Obi's behavior during the singing of the national anthem. Wike accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria by remaining seated during the current national anthem, played at a town hall meeting in Lagos, while standing for the previous anthem. He deemed Wike's action as "lawless" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of belief in Nigeria's unity.

However, the NDC argued that Wike should first examine his own political record before judging Obi's commitment to national unity. The party further accused Wike of contributing to political divisions and instability, particularly in Rivers State, through his political activities.

The NDC also pointed out that the spontaneous singing of the old national anthem in Lagos was not orchestrated by anyone and that after the clip, participants resumed singing the current national anthem. They urged Wike to focus on Nigeria's economic challenges ahead of the January 16, 2027, election, rather than getting distracted by the anthem issue. The party maintains that economic hardship should be the primary concern in the lead-up to the election.