It’s not always about who is the best or most qualified candidate that wins election in Nigeria, there are other factors — Wike gives reasons for not supporting Obi

It’s not always about who is the best or most qualified candidate that wins election in Nigeria, there are other factors — Wike gives reasons for not supporting Obi

 

 

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has opened up on his reasons for not supporting Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections.

 

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Wike said his decision was based on a pragmatic assessment of the political landscape, not personal bias. He dismissed Obi as a “social media candidate” who lacked the necessary political structure to secure a nationwide victory.

 

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

 

Wike emphasized that elections in Nigeria are not won solely by qualifications or popularity, especially on digital platforms. According to him, winning requires strategy, grassroots support, and navigating a complex web of political factors.

 

“In politics, it’s not always about who is the best candidate,” he said. “So many factors come in. You have to analyse who is likely to win, not just who people are talking about online.”

 

He also pointed to the difficulties surrounding the 2023 elections, citing the controversial naira redesign policy and widespread fuel scarcity, which created a challenging environment for all candidates.

 

“It was very, very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” he remarked, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s eventual victory. “You could see people didn’t want to speak the truth before that election.”

 

Despite the hurdles, Wike commended Tinubu for navigating the situation skillfully, attributing his success to both divine providence and political experience.

 

“No party in government would bring such policies during an election period. But everything was done and he survived. He survived it,” Wike said.

 

In conclusion, Wike stressed the importance of political realism over idealism when it comes to electoral decisions.

 

“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 added.

 

Wike’s remarks have once again stirred debate over the role of social media in Nigerian politics and the broader dynamics that influence electoral outcomes in the country.