The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent comments on the condition of public schools in Abuja.

Obi, during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, had faulted the FCT administration for the poor state of public schools, describing the situation as a national disgrace and a reflection of Nigeria’s weak commitment to education.

Responding on Thursday during the inauguration of newly constructed roads in Abuja, Wike dismissed Obi’s remarks, accusing him of playing to the gallery ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Mr Peter Obi, we just came into office two years ago. We haven’t even spent four years. But you — you were governor for eight years. If I were you, I’d keep quiet. Enough is enough,” Wike said.

“You can’t become president of Nigeria just by going to IDP camps for birthday celebrations. Who is interested in that? Doing your birthday in an IDP camp doesn’t mean you love Nigeria or that you’re committed to change.

“When you were governor in Anambra, why didn’t you celebrate birthdays in IDP camps? Now that you want to be president, every birthday is with the less privileged. Who are you trying to deceive?”

The minister also promised to showcase his administration’s efforts to improve public schools in the FCT by next week. He accused Obi of engaging in propaganda, stressing that not everything should be politicised.

Wike further dismissed Obi’s presidential ambitions, saying the former Anambra governor “will continue to contest on social media, but not as President of Nigeria.”

Mocking Obi’s leadership, Wike questioned his ability to govern the country, claiming he could not even manage the party under which he ran for president.

As of the time of this report, Obi had not publicly responded to Wike’s remarks. (Channels TV)