Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to recent comments by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, accusing him of making unfounded criticisms to attract media attention.
Obi visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja on Wednesday, accompanied by Moses Paul, chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
During the visit, Obi described the condition of the school as a “national disgrace” and said it reflected the country’s lack of commitment to education.
He noted that classrooms lacked chairs and toilets. Obi also stated that, during his time as governor of Anambra State, he visited all primary and secondary schools and left public funds for the state upon leaving office.
In a statement on Thursday, Olayinka accused Obi of constant criticism of government actions. He said the current FCT administration, under Wike, is renovating 73 schools across the six Area Councils, with 21 already completed.
“Development in the FCT is visible and verifiable. Seventy-three schools are currently being renovated, and 21 have been completed,” Olayinka said.
He also criticised Obi’s tenure in Anambra, saying the former governor failed to address similar challenges. He claimed that Obi left issues in the education sector that subsequent administrations are still working to resolve.
Olayinka further accused Obi of mismanaging funds during his time as governor, claiming he chose to save state money in a personal bank rather than invest in infrastructure such as schools, roads, and hospitals.
“While the Wike-led FCT administration is renovating schools, Obi made little impact on the education sector in Anambra,” he said. “A total of 102 contracts have been awarded for school renovations in the FCT, with 21 completed and others ongoing.”
He added, “If Obi had achieved the kind of results he now promises at the national level, Anambra would be a model for development.”
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Olayinka also questioned Obi’s plans for the 2027 presidential election, describing him as someone without a political platform and accusing him of using the media to stay relevant.
“He says he can transform Nigeria in four years, but he couldn’t do the same in eight years as governor. Under which party does he plan to contest in 2027? Will he get another ticket based on his image alone, like in 2023?” Olayinka said.
