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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Peter Obi’s political influence ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the so-called Obi wave is “dead and buried”.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during a media parley in Rivers State, where he also questioned the opposition’s chances of forcing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into a presidential run-off.
“All these so-called ‘Obi Kererenke’; it does not exist again. I have killed it.”
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says Peter Obi cannot repeat his 2023 performance in 2027, arguing that the opposition lacks the support needed to challenge the APC.
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) November 5, 2026
Responding to a question about whether opposition parties could pose a serious challenge to the APC, Wike asked which candidates would be involved in such a contest.
“Run where? Run-off. What is it called a run-off? Especially. With who? The run-off between who and who?” he said.
He argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures had previously been given opportunities to lead the country but had failed to deliver.
“Nigerians know that Atiku and co have been given the opportunity; they did not do anything,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also criticised Obi, describing him as a dramatist and insisting that he had little to offer Nigerians.
“Nigerians know Obi has nothing to offer. He’s a dramatist,” he said.
Wike further questioned the strength of Obi’s support across the northern region, arguing that his performance in the 2023 presidential election did not demonstrate widespread backing across the region.
He acknowledged the popularity of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso but questioned the votes he secured outside Kano in the previous election.
He also challenged claims that Obi’s political appeal could extend across the North-Central states, asking what support he could command in other States.
Responding to the suggestion that Obi’s political appeal could continue in the region, Wike declared: “Obi wave is dead and buried.”
He also questioned the financial and organisational support behind Obi’s political movement, asking: “How many people are contributing money for Obi today?”
Wike dismissed those questioning his political influence, describing himself as a grassroots politician who speaks for his people.
He maintained that he had spoken on behalf of his constituents and understood the political direction they wanted Rivers State to take.
Wike also recalled the 2023 election campaign, claiming that Atiku had failed to visit Rivers State despite announcing plans to campaign there.
