Wike Explains: Why I Didn’t Support Peter Obi In 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed why he chose not to support Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike dismissed Obi’s candidacy as lacking realistic prospects, describing him as a “social media candidate.”

“No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike said. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”

Wike, who served as the governor of Rivers State until 2023, said his political decisions are driven by analysis and viability, not online popularity.

“I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he added.

The FCT Minister stressed that electoral success in Nigeria is influenced by numerous factors beyond qualifications or digital popularity.

“In politics, it’s not always the right that oh, this is the best candidate. No, no, no,” he said. “You see Nigerians today, in politics, so many factors come in.”

Wike also highlighted the tough circumstances surrounding the 2023 election, including the controversial naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity.

“It was very very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” he noted. “It is one party administration. You could see people don’t want to speak the truth before that election.”

He applauded President Bola Tinubu for overcoming the obstacles placed by the same government under which he contested.

“No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” Wike said. “But everything was done and he survived. He survived it.”

Wike concluded by praising Tinubu’s political acumen and resilience.

“So that’s how you know that there are people, first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them,” he said.