Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked controversy with comments alleging that former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, failed to conduct local government elections during his eight-year tenure.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St. James Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, held to celebrate the successful completion of several FCT projects under his leadership.
In an apparent swipe at opposition elements, Wike accused them of hypocrisy and emotional support for politicians who, according to him, undermined democratic processes while in power.
Wike’s remarks follow recent efforts by a coalition of opposition parties to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a common platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments have since reignited national debate over Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014.
FACT CHECK: Did Obi Conduct LG Elections?
Contrary to #Wike’s claim, a fact-check by CableCheck has confirmed that local government elections were indeed held in Anambra State under Peter Obi’s administration.
On January 11, 2014, just two months before the end of his tenure, Obi’s government conducted elections across all 21 local government areas in the state — the first since 1998. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won 20 out of the 21 local government chairmanship positions and secured 304 out of 327 councillorship seats.
Three days after the elections, on January 13, 2014, Peter Obi officially swore in the elected council chairmen, urging them to cooperate with then-governor-elect Willie Obiano.
The claim that Obi failed to conduct any local government election has been previously debunked, most recently following a similar accusation by former presidential aide Reno Omokri on July 12, 2024.
Context and Legal Landscape
Until a landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, many Nigerian governors enjoyed near-total control over local governments, often bypassing elections in favor of caretaker committees. This practice was widespread due to the absence of enforceable autonomy for local councils.
However, the apex court ruling now mandates that federation account allocations must go directly to local governments, strengthening grassroots governance and reducing the influence of state governors.
Verdict
The claim that Peter Obi never conducted local government elections while serving as Anambra State governor is false.
Obi conducted LG elections in January 2014, effectively ending a 16-year period without such elections in the state.
