Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned Peter Obi’s patriotism following reports that the former Anambra State governor refused to stand for Nigeria’s current national anthem at a political gathering in Lagos.

Wike criticised Obi over the incident, arguing that his alleged conduct raised concerns about his commitment to the country and his suitability for the presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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 re-election bid and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.

His comments followed a viral video from an NDC gathering in Lagos on Thursday, where Obi, the party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, and some supporters reportedly remained seated during the current national anthem but stood when the former anthem, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, was played.

Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders and party supporters, Wike described the alleged conduct as disrespectful to Nigeria’s national symbols.

“A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria was sung, he stood up,” he said.

Wike further suggested that Obi’s actions raised doubts about his allegiance to Nigeria, warning that someone who disrespected the country’s national symbols should not be allowed to lead it.

The FCT minister also questioned Obi’s political history, alleging that he frequently abandoned political parties during internal disagreements instead of working to resolve them.

He additionally criticised Obi’s eight-year tenure as Anambra State governor, faulting him for not conducting local government elections and describing the situation as inconsistent with his commitment to the rule of law.

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