Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the humility of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over his visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, suggesting that some politicians use such gestures to gain public support ahead of elections.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the first Idoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in Abuja. The event was organised in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration.
The minister questioned the sincerity of Obi’s visits to IDP camps, particularly his decision to celebrate his 62nd birthday with displaced persons in Plateau State in 2023.
According to Wike, some politicians who did not engage in such activities while holding public office may suddenly begin to show compassion when seeking higher political positions.
He argued that Nigerians should not quickly describe a politician as humble simply because the person visits vulnerable communities or celebrates special occasions with people facing hardship.
Wike suggested that such actions could be part of political efforts to win the hearts of voters rather than genuine expressions of concern for their welfare.
Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election and is now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), recently disclosed that he had visited 12 IDP camps across the country in recent weeks.
During his visit to the Ramin Kura IDP camp in Sokoto State, the former governor shared pictures of himself interacting with children and other residents. He described the visit as his 12th trip to an IDP camp.
Obi also called on the government to improve living conditions in the camps, urging leaders to pay greater attention to the needs of displaced persons and other vulnerable Nigerians.
He further encouraged political office holders to spend their holidays in Nigeria instead of travelling abroad, saying such experiences could help them understand the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
However, Wike expressed concern about politicians who, according to him, suddenly begin to engage in activities that make them appear closer to the people when elections approach.
The FCT minister cited instances where politicians who rarely bought items from roadside sellers would suddenly be seen purchasing roasted corn and groundnuts in public.
He also referred to politicians who visit filling stations to comment on the cost of petrol, suggesting that some of these actions are aimed at attracting attention and gaining public approval.
Wike urged Nigerians to look beyond such public displays and carefully examine the intentions of those seeking political offices.
The minister also called on voters to assess the performance of the current administration before deciding whom to support in the 2027 general election.
He acknowledged that Nigerians were facing economic difficulties and security challenges, noting that the situation had left many citizens unhappy.
However, he maintained that voters should also consider the efforts being made by the government to address the country's problems and compare the current situation with what existed before the administration took office.
Wike argued that political decisions should not be based solely on the actions or public image of individual politicians but should also take into account their records and the steps they intend to take to improve the country.
He urged Nigerians to be cautious of politicians he described as gamblers as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.
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