By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his criticism of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his conduct during the singing of the national anthem at an NDC gathering in Lagos.
Wike had accused Obi of showing disrespect to Nigeria’s national symbols after he reportedly remained seated while the current national anthem was being sung but stood when supporters rendered the country’s former anthem.
The minister argued that Obi’s conduct raised questions about his commitment to national unity and his suitability to lead the country.
Wike made the remarks on Friday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and other APC candidates in 2027.
He said anyone aspiring to become Nigeria’s president should demonstrate respect for the country’s national symbols.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the NDC National Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, challenged Wike’s comments, questioning his moral authority to criticise Obi on issues of political unity and tolerance.
Ikokwu said it was ironic that Wike, whose political activities had been associated with divisions and controversies, would appoint himself as a moral judge of Nigerian politics.
He referenced Wike’s role in the political disputes surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State and his political manoeuvring across party lines, particularly between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NDC spokesperson said Wike should address the political controversies surrounding his own activities rather than criticise others.
“You cannot be an arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety,” the statement said.
The party also dismissed suggestions that Obi deliberately ignored the current national anthem or organised the rendition of the old anthem during the Lagos gathering.
According to the NDC, the singing of the former anthem was spontaneous and initiated by supporters at the event, rather than being scripted or arranged by the party or its presidential candidate.
“It was not scripted, orchestrated or planned by anyone. It was simply in the moment, as expressed by citizens, nothing more, nothing less,” the statement said.
The party further maintained that another part of the video showed participants singing the current national anthem, arguing that the incident should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s unity.
The NDC accused Wike of attempting to divert public attention from the country’s economic challenges and the hardship Nigerians are experiencing under the APC-led administration.
It urged political leaders to focus on issues affecting citizens, particularly the economy and the rising cost of living, rather than controversies surrounding the anthem.
“Minister Wike should stop distracting Nigerians from the gargantuan failures of the government he’s trying very hard to sell,” the statement added.
The exchange comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their candidates intensifying engagements with voters.