The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has offered insights into why he chose not to back Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections.
During a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, Wike expressed doubts about Obi’s chances of winning, labeling him a “social media candidate” and suggesting that online popularity does not equate to electoral success.
“He had no realistic path to victory,” Wike stated. “I don’t associate with candidates who are primarily driven by social media hype.”
Wike, who previously served as the governor of Rivers State, emphasized that his political support is guided by strategic evaluations of a candidate’s ability to win rather than their digital popularity.
“As a politician, I assess who has the real potential to secure a win,” he added.
He further explained that electoral outcomes in Nigeria are shaped by various factors beyond a candidate’s perceived competence or social media following.
“In Nigerian politics, winning isn’t always about being the best candidate. Many other elements come into play,” Wike noted.
Reflecting on the challenges during the 2023 election cycle, Wike mentioned issues such as the naira redesign policy and fuel shortages, which, he said, created a difficult atmosphere for campaigning.
“It was an extremely tough period for Tinubu to contest in,” he recalled. “This was a government under the same party, yet controversial policies were introduced close to the election.”
Wike praised President Bola Tinubu for overcoming those hurdles, attributing his victory to experience and strategic know-how.
“No ruling party would normally implement such policies during an election year, but despite everything, he managed to come out on top,” Wike said. “That shows he not only had divine support but also a deep understanding of political strategy.”
