The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his comments against the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following a controversy surrounding the singing of the national anthems at a town hall meeting in Lagos.
According to a report by Channels Television on Saturday, November 14, 2026, Wike had accused Obi of disrespecting Nigeria and its national symbols after allegedly remaining seated during the rendition of the current national anthem but standing when supporters sang the former anthem.
The minister made the remarks on Friday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The meeting was organised by the Rainbow Coalition as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
Wike questioned Obi’s commitment to national unity, arguing that anyone seeking to become Nigeria’s president should demonstrate respect for the country and its national symbols.
However, the NDC dismissed the minister’s criticism, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to lecture others on political tolerance, national unity and responsible leadership.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr. Chiogo Ikokwu, described Wike’s comments as hypocritical, citing his political activities and controversies in Rivers State.
The party accused the FCT minister of contributing to political divisions and instability in Rivers State, particularly through his involvement in political disputes surrounding the 2023 general election.
It also faulted his political manoeuvres across party lines, particularly between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, saying his actions had generated considerable controversy.
The NDC maintained that Wike should reflect on his own political conduct rather than question Obi’s commitment to national unity.
On the controversy surrounding the national anthem, the party explained that the rendition of the former anthem at Obi’s Lagos town hall meeting was spontaneous and initiated by supporters at the gathering.
According to the NDC, the singing was neither scripted nor organised by the party or its presidential candidate but emerged naturally from the enthusiasm of participants.
The party further stated that supporters also sang the current national anthem during the event, insisting that the incident should not be interpreted as an expression of hostility towards Nigeria or its national symbols.
The NDC also accused Wike of attempting to divert public attention from the country’s economic challenges by focusing on the national anthem controversy.
It argued that Nigerians should instead be concerned about pressing issues, including rising living costs, economic hardship and the difficulties facing households under the APC-led administration.
The party urged the minister to focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than engaging in what it described as unnecessary political distractions.
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