The aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly slammed the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his comments regarding the state of public schools in the FCT.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Minister Wike, accused Obi of seeking media attention and operating an “unserious” political style.
The Origin of the Conflict
The criticism from Wike’s aide followed a recent visit by Peter Obi to an LEA Primary School in Kuje, Abuja. During the visit, Obi highlighted the severely dilapidated condition of the school, particularly the lack of functional toilet facilities, calling the situation a “national disgrace.”1 Obi subsequently made a personal donation of N2 million to support the construction of new toilet facilities and improve the learning environment at the school.2
Wike’s Aide Fires Back
Lere Olayinka’s response was a sharp counter-attack, which included the following points:
- “Beer Parlour Government”: Olayinka directly accused Obi of trying to run the FCTA with the kind of “beer parlour-style development” he allegedly engaged in during his eight years as Governor of Anambra State.3
- Defense of FCTA’s Efforts: The aide defended the FCT Administration under Wike, stating that it is focused on “genuine and measurable development projects.” He claimed that 73 schools are currently being renovated across the six area councils of the FCT, with 21 schools already completed. He mentioned that 102 contracts have been awarded for school renovations.
- Challenge to Obi’s Record: Olayinka challenged Peter Obi to publicly account for the number of schools he built or renovated during his time as Anambra Governor. He accused Obi of hoarding state funds in personal banks instead of investing them in critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads, claiming Anambra is still suffering from the effects of his alleged poor governance.
- Political Relevance: The aide dismissed Obi as an “internally displaced politician” who now relies on media stunts for relevance. He mocked Obi’s political prospects for the 2027 election, taunting him by asking under which party he plans to contest, and referring to his well-known “one shoe and one wristwatch” narrative.
This exchange is part of a broader, long-running political rivalry between Nyesom Wike and Peter Obi, which has seen Wike and his team consistently criticize Obi’s public conduct and his record as a former governor.
