The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed the reasons behind his decision not to support Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 general elections. Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State and influential political figure, described Obi as a “social media candidate” with no realistic pathway to vict
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Wike stated that his political decisions are based on pragmatism and electoral viability rather than online popularity or sentiment.
“No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike declared. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”
Wike explained that his analysis of the 2023 electoral landscape showed that Obi, despite enjoying widespread youth support and significant traction on social media, lacked the national political structure and alliances needed to secure a presidential win.
“As a politician, I analyse the candidate who is likely to win. It’s not just about who is the best or most popular online,” he said. “Politics in Nigeria is complex. So many factors come into play beyond qualifications or public sentiment.”
This latest remark by Wike adds to ongoing debates about the influence of online campaigns versus traditional grassroots mobilization in Nigerian politics. Many political observers have acknowledged that while Peter Obi ignited enthusiasm among young voters and urban elites, his campaign struggled to penetrate rural areas and lacked the institutional backing of more established parties.
Wike also used the platform to commend the eventual winner of the 2023 election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he described as a masterclass in political survival amidst unprecedented electoral challenges.
He referenced the naira redesign policy, fuel scarcity, and public dissatisfaction with the then-incumbent APC administration as major hurdles Tinubu faced on the campaign trail.
“It was very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election. No party in power would introduce such policies during an election year, but he survived it. You must give it to him,” Wike noted.
According to Wike, Tinubu’s ability to weather the storm and clinch the presidency demonstrated not just divine favor but political mastery. He noted that Tinubu understood the “game” and executed a well-calculated strategy that ultimately paid off.
“There are people who, first of all, God is on their side. And two, they know the game,” he added.
Wike’s remarks highlight a larger conversation around political idealism versus electoral reality in Nigeria. While Peter Obi was widely regarded as a competent and visionary candidate, critics like Wike argue that winning elections in Nigeria requires more than policy proposals and popularity—it demands structure, alliances, and ground-level strategy.
Wike’s statements are likely to draw mixed reactions across political lines. Supporters of Obi may see the comments as dismissive of a candidate who captured the imagination of millions, particularly Nigeria’s youth. Meanwhile, analysts may interpret Wike’s perspective as a candid reflection of Nigeria’s current political terrain.
It also adds to speculation about Wike’s own political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially given his increasing visibility and alignment with the ruling APC despite still being officially affiliated with the PDP.
As Nigeria prepares for the next election cycle, Wike’s revelations serve as a strategic reminder of the intricate nature of Nigerian politics—where emotion, popularity, and even performance often take a backseat to strategy, survival, and structure.
With conversations already heating up around 2027, Wike’s political maneuvers will remain under close scrutiny as the country watches how alliances shift and narratives evolve.