The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, took a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday, June 1, labeling him a “food is ready” politician who shies away from difficult challenges.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike questioned Obi’s governance approach, stating that the former Anambra State governor prefers seeking the easiest political routes rather than confronting complex national problems head-on.
The minister’s remarks came in response to recent pledges made by Obi—the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections—who promised to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution capacity to 10,000 megawatts.
Faulting the feasibility of this vision, Wike argued that true leadership requires resilience and a willingness to navigate systemic difficulties, rather than simply making political promises.
“Peter Obi likes food is ready, mama put. I don’t want struggling,” the minister said.
According to Wike, Obi prefers situations where problems have already been solved rather than taking on the heavy lifting required to fix Nigeria’s ailing infrastructure.
“How you know someone who can do that is how you know someone who can fight challenges. Peter Obi likes food is ready, mama put. I don’t want struggling,” Wike said.
Wike further challenged Obi’s credibility, asserting that anyone seeking to lead a country of over 200 million people must demonstrate the capacity to confront adversity rather than retreating from political or administrative obstacles.
Wike argued that effective leadership is demonstrated through the ability to navigate complex national problems, particularly in a country facing economic and infrastructural challenges.
“In this country, there are challenges. You must have the capacity to face those challenges. Face the challenges you have; that’s what makes you a leader, that’s what makes you a man. Leadership is not dashing you something,” he said.
