The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying real leadership requires the courage to confront challenges rather than avoid them.
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Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike reacted to Obi’s claim that he could raise Nigeria’s electricity generation from 5,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts if given the chance. He accused Obi of preferring easy situations where problems have already been solved.
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Wike said leadership is tested by the ability to face difficult national problems, especially in a country struggling with economic and infrastructure challenges. He also dismissed opposition parties, including the ADC and NDC, as dishonest and ineffective, claiming they have failed to live up to the democratic standards they preach.
“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.
The minister also criticised opposition political parties, describing them as “known liars” and accusing them of misleading Nigerians with claims of political reform and democratic renewal.
He specifically mentioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that both parties have failed to live up to the standards they publicly advocate.
According to him, parties that portray themselves as alternatives to the ruling establishment have been unable to conduct internal processes without disputes and controversies.
“They said they are the saviour that will come. What has happened now?” Wike asked.
NDC said we are the new face of democracy. ADC said this kind of party is a party that hasn’t been polluted one day; it is a party that God just brought from the womb.”
What has happened? So dirty. See what has happened in the NDC. As small as they are, they cannot do a primary without protest.
“Look at ADC, who said it’s a coalition to take over from APC to stop the distortion of democracy. What has happened?” he added.
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