Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has berated Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ 2027 presidential candidate, describing him as a president only on social media.

Mr Wike, who stated this on Saturday during a town hall interactive meeting with stakeholders in Rivers, said Mr Obi lacks the capacity and experience to govern Nigeria.

“Truly speaking, I gave him president of social media,” the minister stated. “If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it capital no!”

Mr Wike, who further mocked Mr Obi’s posture as being frugal, added, “As a former governor, you can not be stingy not to have employ a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president.”

The minister questioned Mr Obi’s record as Anambra governor, noting the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Soludo, should inform public assessment of the NDC presidential candidate.

Mr Wike also berated Mr Obi’s defection to political parties, insisting that leadership required the ability to confront challenges rather than abandon difficult situations.

“How will you solve the problem of the country? Did you see when there was a problem in PDP? Did I run? I defeated them,” the minister added.

Mr Wike urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking higher office rather than rely on their campaign declarations.

Mr Obi’s special assistant, Yunusa Tanko, could not be immediately reached for comment on Mr Wike’s statement.