Why I Chose Not to Support Peter Obi – Wike Explains

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has revealed the reason he did not support the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 general elections.

During a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, Wike stated that he did not consider Obi a viable contender in the race. He dismissed Obi as a “social media candidate,” saying he saw no realistic pathway for him to win the presidency.

“No, he had no chance of winning the election,” Wike said. “I don’t get involved with people who are just popular on social media. That’s not my style of politics.”

Wike explained that as a practical politician, he evaluates candidates based on their potential to succeed at the polls, not their online following. “As a politician, I look at the chances of a candidate actually winning, and that’s how I make decisions,” he said.

He emphasized that winning elections in Nigeria requires more than just being widely admired or perceived as the best candidate. According to him, many complex political factors influence electoral outcomes. “Politics isn’t always about who the best candidate is. In Nigeria, there are so many variables that come into play,” he said.

Wike also touched on the difficulties that surrounded the 2023 elections, including the controversial naira redesign policy and widespread fuel shortages, which he described as obstacles that made the election period especially turbulent.

“It was a very difficult period for Tinubu to even get through the election,” Wike noted. “And remember, it was still a one-party government at the time. Yet, some policies were introduced that clearly put the ruling party at a disadvantage.”

Despite the challenges, Wike commended President Bola Tinubu for weathering the storm and ultimately emerging victorious. He praised Tinubu’s political experience and strategic know-how.

“Honestly, some people are just favored by God, and they also understand the game of politics,” Wike said. “You have to give credit to people like that who know how to survive and succeed, even in the toughest political climates.”