Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), over his exit from the party.
Wike spoke at the national convention of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to him.
He said Obi’s decision to leave the LP during its internal crisis showed a lack of leadership.
“When crisis came in the Labour Party, that was the time for him to show leadership. He ran away because he could not solve problems,” he said.
Wike compared Obi’s move to that of some PDP governors who defected to other parties amid internal disputes.
He said such actions reflect weak leadership and an inability to manage challenges, arguing that true leaders confront crises rather than abandon their platforms.
“When there are problems in your family, you do not abandon it. You stay to solve the problems,” he said.
The FCT minister praised members of his faction for remaining in the PDP despite internal challenges.
He said their decision to stay shows strength, courage, and commitment.
“You have shown leadership character. You have shown you have leadership traits,” he said.
The FCT minister also warned against entrusting leadership positions to individuals who cannot withstand pressure.
He said such individuals may fail in more critical situations.
“Assuming you make one of them president, and external aggression comes, they will also run away,” he said.
Wike added that his group remains committed to reclaiming what he described as its political mandate.
