Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected a claim by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that he could become one of the first political casualties if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 general election.

Wike, speaking during a media parley, said he expected to face repercussions from politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Obi if Tinubu is defeated.

The FCT minister reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election and said he had no regrets about his political position.

Responding to the remarks, Obi said he would not use the presidency to pursue political opponents or settle personal scores.

“I cannot campaign to be president only to start pursuing people. That will be a waste of Nigerian time,” Obi said.

He said his priority, if elected, would be to govern effectively rather than focus on individuals who had opposed him or taken different political positions.

“If I go there and leave my job, close the shop, which is Nigeria, and start pursuing people who didn’t want me or did wrong against me, it will be a mitigated disaster,” he said.

Obi added that he had no personal hostility toward politicians who had chosen different political paths, saying his focus would be on ensuring that government operates within the law and available resources.

“For me, it is an opportunity to faithfully serve Nigeria by ensuring that the right things are done within the law and within the resources we have, and that we start doing things properly,” he said.