Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State. Wike stated that such claims exist only in the imagination of the claimants, emphasizing that election victories are determined by results from polling units and the declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike made these remarks during a television programme in Abuja, reacting to claims by Obi's supporters that the former Anambra State governor won Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election. He questioned how a candidate could be declared the winner based on results from a handful of polling units when Rivers State has over 7,000 polling units across its 23 local government areas.
According to Wike, the emergence of results from 50, 100 or even 200 polling units in favour of a candidate does not determine the overall outcome of the election. He challenged those who claimed victory to demonstrate before the election tribunal that they had actually won the election, emphasizing that he is interested in practical results on the ground, not social media claims.
Wike expressed confidence about his political standing in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing his experience in previous elections. He recalled his political journey from his first election as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1999, through subsequent contests, including his 2015 and 2019 governorship elections.
The FCT minister alleged that federal forces were deployed against him during the 2019 governorship election, but maintained that he prevailed due to his relationship with the people of the state. He also disclosed an encounter with his late brother, Herbert Wigwe, shortly before the 2019 election, in which Wigwe advised him to take steps to protect himself.
Wike said the experience reinforced his belief that political power ultimately depends on the support of the people. He stated that government forces may be deployed, but when a leader has the support of the people, it is difficult to be defeated. Wike also expressed confidence that his opponents will struggle to persuade the people of Rivers State to abandon the political direction he supports.
Wike asked what his opponents could offer the people of Rivers State that would make them believe that following a new leader would be more beneficial than what they have today. He maintained that his political influence in Rivers was built over years of engagement with the people and the development of political leaders, rather than through social media campaigns or temporary political alliances.
Key points
- Wike dismisses claims of Obi, Atiku winning Rivers State in 2023 election.
- Wike confident about his political standing in Rivers State ahead of 2027 elections.
- Wike emphasizes that election victories depend on INEC-declared results, not social media claims.
