“Why I Didn’t Support Peter Obi” — Wike Opens Up On 2023 Election Decisions
In a recent press briefing held in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, shared his reasons for not supporting the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections.
Wike, a prominent political figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed Obi’s candidacy as lacking the structure and real-world viability necessary to win a nationwide election. According to Wike, his political instincts and experience guided his decision to back a candidate he believed had a realistic path to victory.
Wike_“Peter Obi Was a Social Media Candidate”
Speaking with characteristic bluntness, Wike said he did not consider Obi a serious contender for the presidency, labeling him a “social media candidate.”
“No, he had no chance to win the election,” Wike declared. “I don’t go to places where you see people like this kind of social media candidate. I don’t do social media candidate.”
This statement underscores Wike’s broader view that popularity online does not always translate into electoral success on the ground. For him, practical political calculations and ground support are more critical than digital enthusiasm.
Political Strategist’s Perspective;
Wike emphasized that his decisions are driven by political reality, not sentiment or perceived moral superiority of any candidate.
“I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he explained. “In politics, it’s not always about who is the best candidate. So many other factors come in.”
He pointed out that Nigeria’s political terrain is influenced by diverse factors—tribal affiliations, party structures, alliances, and strategic mobilization—which, he implied, the Labour Party failed to fully master in the 2023 election cycle.
Wike also spoke about the many challenges that shaped the 2023 elections, including the controversial naira redesign policy and the persistent fuel scarcity at the time. These issues, he said, created a chaotic environment for campaigning and voter engagement.
“It was very, very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” he recalled. “It is a one party administration. You could see people didn’t want to speak the truth before that election.”
Despite these hurdles, Wike commended President Bola Tinubu for enduring and succeeding under such difficult conditions. He pointed out that few candidates would have been able to weather the political and economic turbulence that defined the lead-up to the election.
“You Must Give It to Him”
Wike credited Tinubu’s political savvy and resilience as key factors in his electoral success.
“No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” he said, referring to the policies that many believed were hostile to APC’s own chances. “But everything was done, and he survived. He survived it.”
He concluded by stating that Tinubu’s victory was not just a matter of chance but a combination of divine favor and deep political strategy.
“That’s how you know there are people, first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them.”
Final Thoughts;
Wike’s remarks offer a window into the behind-the-scenes thinking of a veteran Nigerian politician. His rejection of Peter Obi’s candidacy wasn’t rooted in personal dislike, but in a pragmatic calculation of who had the machinery, experience, and momentum to win a nationwide election.
His statements also reignite the debate about the role of social media in Nigerian politics — and whether digital popularity can ever overcome the deep-rooted structures of traditional political power
Discussion Corner: What Do You Think?
We’ve heard from Wike, now it’s your turn. Share your thoughts in the comments
Do you agree with Wike’s analysis of Tinubu’s strategy and the 2023 political climate?
Do you think Wike was right to call Peter Obi a “social media candidate”?
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