Abuja, Nigeria – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly stated his reasons for not supporting Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections. In a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, Wike asserted that Obi lacked the necessary grassroots political infrastructure to secure victory in Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.
Wike characterised Obi as a “social media candidate,” implying that his support was largely confined to online platforms, which he deemed insufficient for winning a national election. “No, he has no chance to win the election,” Wike stated firmly. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”
The former Rivers State Governor underscored the importance of established political networks and alliances in Nigerian elections, arguing that mere popularity or perceived competence does not guarantee success. He suggested that Obi’s campaign, while generating significant online buzz, failed to translate into tangible support at the grassroots level.
Wike’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of social media in Nigerian politics. While the 2023 elections saw a surge in youth engagement and online activism, Wike’s perspective reflects the view that traditional political structures remain paramount. His remarks are likely to fuel discussions on the evolving dynamics of Nigerian democracy and the effectiveness of different campaign strategies.
