Peter Obi Is A ‘Food Is Ready’ Politician – Says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday took a swipe at the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC Peter Obi, describing him as a “food is ready” politician who lacks the capacity to confront the challenges of leadership.

Wike spoke during his monthly media parley in Abuja, where he argued that Nigeria’s problems require leaders with courage, resilience and the ability to withstand pressure.

According to him, leadership is not about criticising others from the sidelines or looking for an easy path to power, but about facing difficult situations and remaining firm when challenges arise.

The former Rivers State governor said the country needs leaders who can stand their ground and confront problems directly.

He maintained that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must be ready for pressure, criticism and difficult decisions.

“Peter Obi is like food is ready, ‘mama put’. I don’t want struggling in this country. There are challenges. You must have the capacity to face those challenges,” Wike said.

The FCT minister insisted that leadership is tested in moments of difficulty, adding that those who aspire to public office must show the strength to endure opposition and criticism.

Drawing from his experience in the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike said he remained in the party despite pressure from political opponents and internal crises.

He said many people expected him to leave the PDP, but he refused because he believed leaders should not run away from difficult situations.

“You saw in PDP, all the governors, I said I will not leave this party. They had money, yes, but it’s not money. I said I was not going to leave, rather you will leave. Have I left? Have you not left?” he stated.

Wike said his decision to stay in the party despite the crisis showed the kind of firmness required in leadership.

The minister also recalled the heavy criticism he faced after his appointment as FCT minister.

He said he was subjected to several attacks and insults but chose to remain focused on his assignment rather than be distracted.

“That’s what makes you a leader. That’s what makes you a man. Leadership is not bashing you. That’s not leadership. You remember when I came here as a minister, there was nothing I did not, no abuse I did not get,” he added.

Wike said despite the public attacks, he continued with his duties because leadership required patience, determination and results.

Wike’s comments came amid growing political exchanges following Obi’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the NDC for the 2027 election.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has continued to draw criticism from political opponents over his leadership style and policy proposals.