The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has responded to a claim by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he would be among the first politicians to suffer if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.
Wike reportedly made the comment during one of his media parleys, where he reiterated his support for President Tinubu’s re-election and said he had no regrets about his political position.
According to the report, Wike said he would particularly face repercussions from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi if Tinubu loses the election.
Responding to the claim, Obi said he would not enter office with a mindset of pursuing political opponents or settling personal scores, describing such an approach as a waste of Nigeria’s time and resources.
Obi said: “In fact, somebody told me that Wike said if I become president, he will be one of the first victims. I cannot campaign to be president only to start pursuing people. That will be a waste of Nigerian time.”
He further said that abandoning the responsibilities of governance to pursue those who opposed him would amount to a serious failure of leadership.
Obi said: “So, if I go there and leave my job, close the shop, which is Nigeria, and start pursuing people who didn’t want me or did wrong against me, it will be a mitigated disaster. I won’t be part of it. I want to go into office and focus on the job. I’m not against anybody.”
The former Anambra State governor also said politicians currently occupying different political positions should be allowed to pursue what they believe is best for them, adding that he wishes them well.
He said his priority would be to use public office to serve Nigerians faithfully by ensuring that government operates within the law and available resources.
Obi said: “Today, they are in one place or the other where they think is better. I wish them well. For me, it is an opportunity to faithfully serve Nigeria by ensuring that the right things are done within the law and within the resources we have, and that we start doing things properly.”
The remarks come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former allies and political actors taking different positions on the emerging presidential contest.
