Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed the strategy employed by the G-5 governors to hinder the presidential ambition of Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the South-South region during the 2023 election. In an interview on TVC's Journalists' Hangout, Wike explained that the G-5 identified Atiku and the strength of the PDP in the region as a major concern and decided to allow Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to win some states.
According to Wike, the G-5 governors, comprising Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, adopted a strategy in Edo and Cross River, where the PDP was considered strong, to prevent Atiku from benefiting from the votes. The FCT minister said the G-5's strategy was based on the belief that if the PDP failed to win in the South-South, it would hurt Atiku's chances, while an Obi victory would not significantly advance the Labour Party candidate's presidential bid.
Wike disclosed that the G-5 deliberately allowed Obi to win in Edo and Cross River, but stopped him from winning in Rivers State due to the potential political implications of such a victory. He stated that the strategy was successful, as Obi won in the aforementioned states, but not in Rivers. Wike also mentioned that the G-5's goal was not to help Obi win, but to prevent Atiku from benefiting from the votes in the region.
The FCT minister questioned Obi's ability to replicate his 2023 performance in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He specifically questioned how Obi would win Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states under the current political circumstances. Wike expressed doubts about Obi's chances, citing the changed political landscape.
Wike attributed the changed political circumstances to the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, which he believes no longer has the same influence. He stated that the support Obi enjoyed in the South-East during the 2023 election is no longer the same. According to Wike, Obi does not have the same level of support, and it is unlikely he will have it in the future.
Wike advised Obi to focus on the 2031 election rather than the 2027 contest, saying that he should leave the 2027 election to President Bola Tinubu. Wike emphasized that this is the truth of the matter, and Obi should prepare for the 2031 election. He expressed confidence in his assessment, based on the current political landscape.
The G-5 governors had opposed Atiku Abubakar's presidential candidacy in 2023, arguing that the party's presidential ticket should be zoned to the South after eight years of a northern presidency under Muhammadu Buhari. Wike's revelation provides insight into the internal dynamics of the PDP and the strategies employed by various factions during the 2023 election.
Key points
- G-5 governors helped Peter Obi win in Edo and Cross River to prevent Atiku Abubakar from benefiting from the votes.
- Wike questions Obi's ability to replicate his 2023 performance in the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
- Wike advises Obi to focus on the 2031 election rather than the 2027 contest.
