“Stop Weaponising Public Office”: Obi’s Camp Blasts Wike, Keyamo Over Anthem Attacks

The Peter Obi Media Office has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, of turning their government positions into instruments of political intimidation and partisan warfare following their criticism of the former Anambra State governor over the national anthem.

The statement was issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr., ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE ACCUSATION

The media office described the two ministers as “rabble-rousers” and accused them of “weaponising public office for political relevance”.

The statement questioned the conduct of the two ministers, arguing that their actions raised concerns about the proper use of public authority. “Public office is not a personal possession, and government authority must never become a weapon for intimidating political opponents. Nigerians entrusted these responsibilities to their leaders to serve the nation, not to satisfy political egos or advance partisan interests,” the statement read.

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The media office argued that ministers should distinguish between their constitutional responsibilities and personal political affiliations, stressing that holding a public position does not confer the authority to use state institutions for political battles .

“PATRIOTISM IS NOT PROPAGANDA”

The statement also faulted attempts to present partisan political attacks as evidence of patriotism. “Patriotism is not about how loudly politicians attack their opponents or how aggressively they defend those in power. It is reflected in honesty, responsible leadership, respect for democratic principles and the willingness to put the interests of Nigerians above personal and political considerations,” it said.

The office insisted that no individual, political party or government could claim exclusive ownership of patriotism, warning Nigerians against confusing loyalty to a political establishment with genuine commitment to the country.

THE BROADER CONCERN

The media office expressed concern that senior government officials were devoting considerable attention to political disagreements while millions of Nigerians continued to battle poverty, insecurity, unemployment and rising living costs.

It urged the ministers to redirect their attention towards addressing the country’s pressing challenges, noting that Nigerians expected effective governance rather than persistent political confrontations.

“Public office comes with responsibility, not unlimited political authority. Positions held today are temporary, but the consequences of abusing public trust can affect the country for generations. Nigerians deserve leaders who respect democratic institutions and understand that their ultimate responsibility is to the people,” the statement added.

WHY IT MATTERS

The national anthem is not the issue. It is the pretext.The real issue is the use of high public office to wage political war against an opponent.

Wike and Keyamo are not private citizens expressing personal opinions. They are ministers in the federal government, with all the authority and resources that office confers. When they attack Peter Obi, they are not just attacking a political rival. They are using the machinery of state to delegitimise him.

The Obi media office is right to call this out. Public office is a trust, not a weapon. The authority of a minister is derived from the people, and it must be exercised for their benefit, not for the benefit of a political party or a personal vendetta.

But the statement is also a political manoeuvre. By framing Wike and Keyamo’s attacks as an abuse of office, Obi’s camp is attempting to turn the tables. Instead of defending Obi’s conduct during the anthem, they are attacking the conduct of his accusers. It is a classic deflection, and a smart one.

The anthem row will fade. The question of whether ministers should use their offices for partisan attacks will not. ValidViewNetwork reports.