Wike Backs Edo Governor Okpebholo’s Attack on Peter Obi, Asking, “When He Was Governor, Was He Serving Food?”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has publicly endorsed the remarks made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, which appeared to mock former Anambra Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

During a state function in Benin City, captured live on TVC News, Wike said, “When I was Governor, Peter Obi notified me he was coming to my state. The statement you made, you are quite right. When he was Governor, was he serving food?” The comment, laden with sarcasm, drew laughter and applause from the audience.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier sparked controversy by questioning Peter Obi’s activities in Edo, implying that Obi had no notable achievements to justify his rising political popularity.

Wike’s response, which seemed both to mock and question Obi’s legacy, is now being interpreted as a deeper alignment between Wike and Okpebholo’s political bloc, possibly reflecting 2027 power dynamics.

The remark has quickly gone viral on social media after being shared by Linda Ikeji Blog, fueling fresh debate between supporters of the ruling APC and the Labour Party. Critics accuse Wike of using state occasions for political mockery, while his allies argue he was merely defending protocol and truth.

Wike’s support may signal an intensifying rivalry as Peter Obi continues to gain ground across several states despite losing the 2023 presidential election. With elections still two years away, these verbal skirmishes are already setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive political season.

Peter Obi has not responded publicly to the latest jab. However, observers note that the back-and-forth reflects a broader battle over who holds moral and performance legitimacy among Nigeria’s political elite.