The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by supporters of Peter Obi that the former Labour Party presidential candidate won Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election. Wike made the statement on Monday during an appearance on TVC's Journalists' Hangout, responding to questions about his political influence in Rivers State and claims by Obi's supporters that their candidate won the state.
Wike questioned why Obi's supporters continued to make the claim despite the result officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He challenged those making the claim to present evidence used to support it, especially during the legal challenges that followed the 2023 presidential election. According to Wike, the claim of victory was largely sustained through social media rather than the official electoral process.
The former Rivers State governor argued that the outcome of an election in Rivers State could not be determined by what happened in one part of Port Harcourt or any other single location. He noted that Rivers State has 23 local government areas and challenged Obi's supporters to produce official electoral documents to support their position. Wike said, "Let them produce that result sheet that says Obi won."
The results announced by INEC after the February 25, 2023 presidential election showed that Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress received 231,591 votes in Rivers State, while Obi of the Labour Party polled 175,071 votes. The Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, came third in the state with 88,468 votes.
Former Transportation Minister and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, claimed in August 2025 that Obi won the state but alleged that the results were later changed. However, Amaechi did not provide evidence to support the allegation. Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, backed Tinubu in the 2023 election after falling out with Atiku following the PDP presidential primary.
Wike has defended his frequent visits to Rivers State, rejecting suggestions that he intends to relocate from Abuja. He said his visits were partly aimed at allowing him to personally assess developments in the state instead of relying solely on reports from political associates. Wike also stated that he is not relocating, but rather coming home to relate with the people and talk to them.
The relationship between Wike and Obi has changed since the 2023 election. Obi recently responded to Wike's warning that he could face political consequences if Tinubu loses the 2027 election. Obi said he was not seeking the presidency to pursue political opponents or settle political scores.
Key points
- Wike challenges Obi's supporters to present evidence that their candidate won Rivers State in the 2023 presidential election.
- The INEC results showed that Bola Tinubu won Rivers State with 231,591 votes, while Obi polled 175,071 votes.
- Wike defends his visits to Rivers State, saying he is not relocating from Abuja but rather coming home to assess developments in the state.
