The camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his refusal to participate in the recital of Nigeria’s current national anthem at a political gathering in Lagos.
The criticism followed an incident at an NDC town hall meeting held in Lagos on Thursday, November 12, 2026, where Obi, alongside the party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, and other supporters, reportedly declined to sing the current national anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.
The event moderator subsequently switched to the former national anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, which Obi and other attendees sang enthusiastically.
Reacting to the development, Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accused Obi of showing disregard for the country’s laws and national symbols.
Olayinka questioned Obi’s understanding of the implications of disrespecting the national anthem while seeking to lead the country.
He also cited Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the responsibilities of Nigerian citizens, including respecting the Constitution, national institutions, the national flag and the national anthem.
The controversy comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill into law on May 29, 2024, restoring Nigeria, We Hail Thee as the country’s official national anthem after 46 years of using Arise, O Compatriots.
The incident has generated fresh political debate, with reactions emerging over Obi’s actions and the significance of national symbols ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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