Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Governor of Rivers State, has disclosed how the camp of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, sought his support leading up to the 2023 elections. Speaking at a luncheon in honor of the 10th Rivers State Assembly in Port Harcourt on October 19, 2024, Wike noted that he faced persistent lobbying from Obi’s camp but ultimately chose not to endorse his presidential ambitions.
Wike claimed that Obi’s team made several attempts to secure his endorsement, visiting him twice in Rivers State during the election campaign. Obi also met with Wike and members of the G-5 governors, a group of five discontented governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the UK, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo present.
Despite the pressures, Wike remained resolute in his decision, stating, “This will not work. Rivers State will not follow a path that doesn’t align with us… It will not succeed.” He expressed satisfaction with his decision to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he has no regrets about it.
Following his refusal to support Obi, Wike mentioned that both Obi’s camp and Atiku Abubakar’s faction within the PDP have been critical of him. He stated, “All these things you are witnessing… There is Atiku’s group, Peter Obi’s group… I will continue to be a problem for them.”
Wike also alleged that individuals within the PDP are conspiring against him due to ambitions for the party’s presidential ticket in the 2027 elections, asserting that their efforts would be futile. He expressed distrust towards the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, indicating that Damagum had never supported him.
Wike hinted at a broader conspiracy involving prominent figures within both the PDP and APC, warning that they would ultimately fail in their endeavors. He reiterated his focus on ensuring that Damagum completes the term of the ousted PDP chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, while cautioning against trusting certain individuals within the party.
Wike’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions within the PDP and the dynamics of support and opposition as Nigeria approaches future elections.