FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, of diverting state funds into Fidelity Bank for his personal gains.

Mr Wike spoke during the inauguration of a road project in the Mabushi District of Abuja, where he reacted to Mr Obi’s criticisms of dilapidated schools in the FCT.

“I heard one of the social media presidential candidates went to a public school and was saying that the government has abandoned public schools. In particular, his name is Peter Obi,” Mr Wike said.

Accusing Mr Obi of saving Anambra funds in a bank in which he had a stake for personal gains, the FCT minister said the former governor denied Anambra development while making gains from the state’s fund.

“Peter Obi, you were governor for eight years in Anambra State. The money was there to develop Anambra State, but instead of developing Anambra, he took the state’s money and put it in his bank (Fidelity Bank), where he was the highest shareholder, so that he’ll be making a profit while Anambra will be suffering,” Mr Wike said.

The minister also challenged Mr Obi to compare his achievements as Anambra governor to what he has achieved in two years as a minister.

“He stayed as governor for eight years, while I’ve been in office for two years. I challenge him to come out publicly and compare what he did for eight years in Anambra with what I have done in the FCT in just two years. By next week, we’ll showcase what we’ve done regarding public schools in Abuja,” Mr Wike said.

He added, “You cannot become president only when you go to one IDP camp. When you were governor, why didn’t you do your birthday in the IDP camp? It’s now that you want to be president that you remembered to celebrate your birthday with the less privileged.”

Yunusa Tanko, the spokesperson for Mr Obi, did not respond to calls and messages regarding Mr Wike’s allegations.