The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was happier when they worked together, adding that he still considers the former Rivers State governor a friend despite their political differences.
Obi said this during a virtual interview with Nigerian media personalities, Adeola Fayehun and Rudolf Okonkwo.
The former Anambra State governor recalled his working relationship with Wike, who served as Minister of State for Education between 2011 and 2014 while Obi was governor of Anambra State.
During that period, Wike visited Anambra to inspect and commission education projects carried out by the Obi administration, including renovated secondary schools.
Speaking about their relationship, Obi said Wike remained his friend despite their political differences. He also recalled that the FCT minister appeared healthier and happier while they worked together.
‘Nyesom Wike still remains a very good friend of mine. He looked healthier when we were working together. When Wike and I were together, he was a much happier person and was enjoying himself.’
Obi also addressed a claim that Wike had said he would be the first person he would go after if he became president. He said his ambition was not driven by a desire to pursue political opponents but by his plans for the country.
‘Someone even told me that Wike said if I became president, he would be the first person I would come after. But I’m not campaigning to become president to start pursuing people. I want to go into office to focus on tomorrow, not chase people around.’
The former governor further pointed to photographs of himself and Wike from the period they worked together, saying they showed how healthy the FCT minister looked at the time. He again linked Wike’s appearance during that period to his happiness.
‘Well, if you look at the pictures of Mr Wike when we were moving together, you can see how healthy he is and looking very well. So, that means when we were together, he was a much, much happier person and enjoyed himself.’
Obi also made it clear that he had no personal grievance against Wike, saying their political differences had not changed their friendship. He added that having wealth and other material things does not always bring happiness.
‘But let me assure you, I don’t have anything against Mr Wike. He remains a friend and everything. Sometimes, you can have too much money and everything, but you don’t have happiness.’
Obi’s comments come amid political differences between him and Wike ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also dismissed the suggestion that his administration would focus on pursuing political opponents, saying his interest in becoming president was centred on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and building a better future for the country.