The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says National Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s challenges and would flee to Cameroon if elected president.

Mr Wike spoke on Tuesday at Abaji Area Council during a Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

The minister said Mr Obi would abandon the country’s problems rather than confront them, unlike President Bola Tinubu, whom he hailed for taking tough decisions to address Nigeria’s challenges.

According to him, Nigeria needs a president who could confront difficult situations rather than abandon the country when challenges arise.

Mr Wike maintained that ruling a country goes beyond public relations or political rhetoric; it requires competence and a willingness to be accountable in the face of challenges.

Meanwhile, he urged residents of Abaji Area Council to demonstrate their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by voting for him in the 2027 election.

He said he would not rely on Abaji political leaders’ promises to ensure Mr Tinubu’s victory but would assess their support by their ability to deliver their respective polling units and wards.

The minister added, “Nobody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. 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.”

Mr Wike also cautioned them against repeating their mistake in the 2023 elections by voting for candidates who failed to maintain contact with their constituents after securing electoral victory.

The minister said residents should assess political officeholders based on their accessibility, performance and contributions to development rather than political promises.

“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of the FCT?” he asked.

Mr Wike also reiterated his commitment to addressing Abaji’s electricity challenges before the 2027 elections, directing the area council chairman to intensify efforts towards restoring power supply.

He described the Abaji engagement as the final meeting in his tour of the six FCT area councils ahead of the elections, saying he would return to assess residents’ satisfaction with the administration’s performance.

Mr Wike further disclosed that he would meet with youths in the FCT on Wednesday to discuss political mobilisation and other issues affecting their participation in the forthcoming elections.