Obi Will Run to Cameroon if Confronted With Burdens of Presidency — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has questioned the capacity of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to govern Nigeria, alleging that he would flee to Cameroon if confronted with the responsibilities and challenges of the presidency.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during the Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abaji Area Council, Abuja, where he urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The minister argued that Nigeria required a president capable of confronting difficult national challenges and making tough decisions rather than relying on public relations and political popularity.

He contrasted Obi with Tinubu, whom he praised for taking difficult decisions, insisting that the presidency demanded courage, capacity and a willingness to accept responsibility for the consequences of governance.

Wike’s comments formed part of his broader criticism of Obi’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the meeting, the FCT minister also challenged political leaders in Abaji to demonstrate their support for Tinubu through electoral results rather than verbal assurances.

He called on the area council chairman, councillors and other political stakeholders to mobilise voters in their respective wards, saying their performance would be measured by the votes secured for the President.

Wike further declared that the Federal Capital Territory should match or surpass Rivers State in its electoral support for Tinubu.

“The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” he said.

The minister also criticised some elected representatives, alleging that they failed to maintain contact with constituents after winning elections in 2023.

He urged voters to assess political officeholders based on their accessibility, performance and contributions to community development.

Wike disclosed plans to meet with FCT youths to discuss political mobilisation and participation ahead of the next elections. He also urged the Abaji Area Council leadership to intensify efforts to address the area’s electricity challenges before 2027.

The remarks add to the growing exchanges between political figures as parties and alliances position themselves ahead of the presidential election.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election, is seeking the presidency again under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Wike has publicly aligned himself with Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Wike’s claim about Obi fleeing to Cameroon was a political allegation made during the meeting. He did not present evidence that Obi had expressed any intention to leave Nigeria if elected president.