Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the political strategies employed by his camp during the 2023 presidential election. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Wike revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party's G5 governors worked to prevent former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from securing the South-South region. According to Wike, Atiku was considered the bigger threat due to the PDP's stronghold in the region.
Wike explained that the G5's calculation was based on the PDP's historical dominance in the South-South. He stated that if Atiku had secured the region, it would have significantly increased his presidential votes. To counter this, the group adopted a strategy that allowed Peter Obi to benefit from votes in some parts of the region rather than allowing those votes to go to Atiku. Wike emphasized that the goal was not to support Obi but to deny Atiku the votes.
The former Rivers State governor also revealed that Rivers State was treated differently from other South-South states due to the implications of an Obi victory in the state. Wike stated that the G5 was concerned about the message an Obi victory in Rivers could send politically. He claimed that Obi would not have won Rivers State, as it would have sent a wrong signal.
Wike rejected allegations of rigging the election, questioning how one individual could alter results across thousands of polling units. He challenged those who claimed Obi won Rivers State to produce evidence presented during the legal proceedings that followed the poll. Wike maintained that political parties develop strategies based on their perception of opponents' strengths.
The minister inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja, including Road S1 in Kaura District and Collector Road C2 in Life Camp. He gave updates on the projects, assuring that the Kaura district road and bridges would be completed by December 15. Wike also inspected the Arterial Road N16 in Gwarinpa and the Jereton Mariere Street project.
Wike discussed the IBB Golf Course, which has been affected by an internal dispute among members. He stated that a committee headed by the President of the Court of Appeal had been constituted to address the matter. President Bola Tinubu had directed that the facility be reopened due to its importance to the Presidency and diplomatic community.
The minister disclosed that implementation of the FCT's 2026 capital budget had reached at least 60 percent. He attributed initial delays in releasing funds to affecting payments to contractors but noted that the situation had improved. Wike expressed hope that the projects would be completed before the election, serving as a "Christmas gift" to Abuja residents.
Key points
- Wike reveals that the G5's strategy during the 2023 presidential election was to deny Atiku Abubakar votes in the South-South region by allowing Peter Obi to benefit from votes in some parts of the region.
