By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his alleged criticism of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the rendition of the old national anthem by supporters at a town hall meeting in Lagos.
The party accused Wike of lacking the moral authority to lecture others on political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership, citing his political conduct in Rivers State and his involvement in controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election.
The NDC spokesperson, National Campaign Council, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, said this in a statement reacting to reports that Wike had accused Obi of promoting division and lawlessness over the incident.
Ikokwu described the Minister’s alleged comments as contradictory, arguing that his political activities in Rivers State and manoeuvring across party lines had been associated with political divisions and instability.
She specifically referenced Wike’s role in the political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, as well as his political engagements across the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NDC spokesperson maintained that the rendition of the old national anthem at the Lagos town hall meeting was spontaneous and initiated by supporters, insisting that it was neither scripted nor orchestrated by the party or its presidential candidate.
She added that supporters also sang the current national anthem during the gathering, arguing that the incident should not be interpreted as an attempt to promote division or lawlessness.
Ikokwu further accused Wike of attempting to distract Nigerians from the performance of the APC-led Federal Government, insisting that national discourse ahead of the election should focus on the economy and the hardship facing citizens.
She urged Nigerians to concentrate on issues affecting their daily lives, particularly economic challenges, rather than what she described as distractions over the anthem controversy.
The NDC spokesperson called on the Minister to put his political affairs in order before questioning the conduct of others.
