By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned what it described as a “reckless and indecorous” verbal attack by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
In a statement signed by Chukwudi Samuel, Publicity Secretary of ADC-FCT, the party said Wike’s comments against Obi were condescending and unbecoming of a public officer holding such a sensitive position.
“The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been drawn to the reckless, condescending, and utterly unnecessary outburst by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, against Mr Peter Obi, a respected national leader, former Governor, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections,” the statement read.
According to the ADC, leadership demands restraint and responsibility, not arrogance and noise. “Mr Wike has once again demonstrated that arrogance and noise are not substitutes for vision and decency. His statement was not only undignified but also beneath the office he currently occupies,” the party stated.
The ADC said Mr Obi’s recent remarks on the poor condition of a public primary school in the FCT—one reportedly lacking toilets, chairs, and basic facilities—were factual observations that should have prompted corrective action rather than irritation.
“Leadership is about service, not ego. If a citizen, no matter who he is, points out decay in governance, a responsible minister fixes it, not fights it,” the statement continued.
The ADC also dismissed Wike’s attempt to draw comparisons between his tenure as FCT Minister and Obi’s eight years as Governor of Anambra State. “History and records show that Peter Obi left billions in reserves, no debts, and world-class educational and health indices. Wike, on the other hand, is busy turning the FCT into a theatre of self-glorification, awarding contracts for the cameras, not for the people,” it said.
While acknowledging infrastructural works in the capital city, the ADC argued that “abuse is not performance,” noting that real development must touch education and dignity. “You can commission all the roads you like, but if children in Abuja are still learning without toilets, desks, or dignity, then your development is hollow,” the statement noted.
The party urged Wike to focus on governance rather than personal attacks, stating, “Abuja deserves a builder, not a brawler; a visionary, not a verbal combatant.”
Expressing solidarity with Peter Obi and Dr Moses Paul, the ADC Chairmanship Candidate for AMAC, the party said it stands with all citizens who are calling attention to critical issues like education, inclusion, and accountability.
“Mr Wike, respect yourself and your office. Leadership is not a shouting match; it is a sacred trust,” the statement concluded.