The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing his public display of serving food at a recent charity event in Imo State as “political pretense”, not genuine humility.

 

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday, July 22, during the launch of modern transit buses by the Edo State Government in Benin City.

 

Reacting to the viral video of Peter Obi personally serving food to guests at a charity event, the FCT Minister said Nigerians were being misled by what he called “stage-managed humility.”

 

“This is not where a presidential candidate will be carrying food to serve, no – this is pretense. How long will he be serving the food?” Wike asked.

 

 

 

He criticized Nigerians for glorifying what he sees as gimmicks rather than substance, warning that such theatrics do not equate to leadership ability.

 

“And Nigerians are laughing, saying he is humble. Who told you that is humility? And you people gave audience to that kind of thing,” he said.

 

 

 

Wike also dismissed Obi’s prior promise to fly commercial airplanes if elected president, calling it unrealistic and deceptive.

 

“As a presidential candidate saying ‘when I win I will use a commercial plane’—and you think he’s telling the truth? Which security will allow that?”

 

 

 

In a broader jab, the former Rivers State governor accused Nigerians of falling for political performance over practicality.

 

“We must tell ourselves the simple truth. Nigerians, you like people who will play you wayo (deceit), not people who will tell you the truth.”

 

 

 

“When he was governor, was he serving food? Now because elections are coming, he wants to serve? If you like, go and listen to him,” Wike said, dismissing Obi’s actions as election-season theatrics.

 

 

 

Wike’s comments have stirred further debate in the political space, as tensions continue to build ahead of the 2027 general elections.