Party accuses FCT Minister of lacking moral authority to lecture others on national unity, says singing of the old national anthem was spontaneous.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike following his criticism of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his conduct during a rally in Lagos.
Wike had accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria’s national symbols after he reportedly remained seated while the current national anthem was being sung but stood when supporters rendered the old anthem.
The minister made the remarks on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, organised by the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and APC candidates.
Wike questioned Obi’s commitment to national unity, arguing that a presidential candidate who disregarded the national anthem could not be trusted with the country’s leadership.
In a statement on Saturday, NDC National Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, accused Wike of lacking the moral authority to judge other politicians on unity and responsible leadership.
Ikokwu said Wike’s political activities in Rivers State and his movement between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been associated with divisions and political instability.
“You cannot be an arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety,” the statement said.
The party also clarified that the rendition of the old national anthem during Obi’s Lagos town hall meeting was spontaneous and initiated by supporters, rather than planned or orchestrated by the campaign.
It added that supporters also sang the current national anthem in another part of the event’s video.
The NDC accused Wike of attempting to distract Nigerians from the economic challenges facing the country, insisting that the 2027 election should focus on issues such as the economy and hardship under the APC-led government.