A dramatic and humorous moment played out on Thursday at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture, when FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was briefly interrupted mid-speech — and his sharp reaction sent the audience into laughter.
In a video shared by ESET on YouTube, Wike was seen addressing the crowd on the topic “The Nigeria of Our Dreams”, where he passionately praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication, focus, and leadership style. According to Wike, the President has displayed what he described as “exceptional commitment” to governance, a quality Nigeria desperately needs across all levels of leadership.
However, just as Wike was emphasizing the president’s work ethic, a voice from the audience loudly shouted, “APC!”, seemingly trying to tie his comments to party politics.
Wike didn’t miss a beat. He immediately responded, saying:
“I’m not talking about APC, I’m talking about leadership.”
The quick and pointed reply triggered loud laughter and cheers from the entire congregation, instantly lighting up the atmosphere. The crowd’s reaction showed not only the power of Wike’s presence but also the sensitivity around partisan interpretations of national issues.
The viral video, which has since gained traction online, is a moment of political theatre that highlights the fine line Nigerian leaders walk between party loyalty and national discourse.
As the 2025 elections loom on the horizon, moments like these continue to spark debate on the kind of leadership Nigeria needs — and Wike made it clear that for him, it’s not about party tags but performance.
