NDC Reacts As Wike Strongly Criticises Peter Obi For Reciting Old National Anthem At Lagos Town Hall

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after the minister accused its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of demonstrating a lack of faith in Nigeria and disrespecting national symbols.

Wike had earlier criticised Obi for allegedly remaining seated during the current national anthem while standing for the defunct anthem during an NDC town hall meeting in Lagos. Speaking on Friday in Rivers State under the Rainbow Coalition, Wike argued that a leader who disregards official national symbols is unfit for the presidency and intends to divide the country.

Reacting in a statement signed by Dr. Chiogo Ikokwu, Spokesperson for the NDC National Campaign Council on Saturday, the party dismissed Wike’s remarks, asserting that the FCT minister lacks the moral standing to act as a referee of Nigerian politics.

‘I read from the media that Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Peter Obi of causing division and lawlessness due to the rendition of the old national anthem by NDC supporters in Lagos yesterday during Mr. Obi’s town hall meeting,’ Ikokwu stated.

‘Can you imagine? If this report is true, Minister Wike needs to look in the mirror. It is extraordinary that someone whose political conduct in and outside Rivers State has been widely associated with deep divisions, political upheaval and prolonged instability, can suddenly appoint himself the moral referee of Nigerian politics.’

The campaign council further pointed to Wike’s political manoeuvring across party lines and his involvement in past electoral controversies, declaring that he cannot act as an ‘arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety.’

Addressing the anthem controversy itself, the NDC explained that the singing of the former national anthem, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, was entirely spontaneous and driven by the attendees rather than being scripted or orchestrated by the party leadership.

‘It was not scripted, orchestrated or planned by anyone. It was simply in the moment, as expressed by citizens, nothing more, nothing less. And if you watched another part of the video, they went on to sing the current national anthem,’ the statement clarified.

The party urged Nigerians to ignore the distraction and focus instead on pressing national concerns, accusing Wike of attempting to deflect attention from the severe economic hardships and failures plaguing the current administration.