Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of lacking the moral authority to lecture anyone on unity, after he criticised party supporters for singing the old national anthem at Peter Obi’s Lagos town hall.
In a statement, the party’s National Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, said Wike “needs to look in the mirror.”
She said it was extraordinary that someone whose conduct in and outside Rivers State has been widely associated with division and instability could appoint himself “moral referee” of Nigerian politics.
She pointed to his role in the political controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election in Rivers, and to his political manoeuvring across party lines.
“You cannot be an arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety,” the statement said.
Obi and supporters sang the former anthem at a town hall in Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday. Reports said the event anchor switched to the old anthem after attendees declined to join the current one.
Wike, speaking on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Rivers State, accused Obi of disrespecting national symbols and seeking to divide the country, according to media reports.
The NDC said it learned of Wike’s remarks from the media, and framed its response conditionally: “If this report is true.”
Ikokwu said the singing was “entirely impromptu, initiated by the people themselves,” and was not scripted, orchestrated or planned by anyone.
She added that the crowd went on to sing the current national anthem in another part of the video.
The party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, has made a similar claim.
The spokesperson urged Wike to stop distracting Nigerians from what she called the “gargantuan failures” of the government he is trying to sell.
She said the election should focus on issues that matter to Nigerians, including the economy and the hardship she blamed on the APC government.
The episode has drawn wider comment. Reno Omokri criticised Obi and NDC supporters, describing the national anthem as an apolitical symbol that unites Nigerians.
Festus Keyamo has also reportedly given NDC figure Dickson 48 hours to clarify the party’s position on the old anthem.
The statement closed with a rallying call: “Vote NDC.”
The exchange adds a fresh flashpoint to an increasingly heated build-up to the 2027 elections.
