2027: Peter Obi, Atiku can’t defeat me in Rivers — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday dismissed claims by the then Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the ‘Obidient’ movement that they won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State, insisting that their victories existed only in their imagination.

Speaking on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme monitored in Abuja, Wike said political victories are determined at the polling units and declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not on social media or in selective polling units.

“They won in their imagination,” Wike declared while responding to questions on whether his political support in Rivers State remains organic.

“I have always told people: they won in their imagination. Nobody declared them to have won. I have been in this system; I am in this game. When Obi went to the Timber Market or somewhere in Rivers State and they were shouting ‘Obi! Obi!’, is that how you win an election?” he queried.

He faulted claims of victory based on isolated polling units, noting that Rivers State has over 7,000 polling units across 23 local government areas.

“Out of over 7,000 polling units, until all results have come in, even if 200 polling units come out and say Obi or Atiku has won, it does not convince me. They went to the tribunal, were they able to tender or prove to the court that they won the election?” he asked.

“You can win on social media, but I am not interested in social media winning. I am interested practically in the results on the ground, who won, and who was declared,” Wike added.

Addressing threats from political rivals in Rivers State ganging up against him ahead of the 2027 general elections, the FCT Minister expressed confidence, boasting that 2027 would be his easiest political contest yet.

“I started this game in 1999 as a local government chairman. In all my elections, it has never been easy. In 2015, they said it would be difficult; I won. In 2019, the federal might and soldiers were against me, yet I won,” he recalled.

Wike revealed for the first time how his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, advised him to flee before the 2019 election due to federal pressure, an advice he rejected before going on to win.

He maintained that his political strength stems from his track record and direct connection with the people rather than federal backing or political coalitions.

“Anybody telling you today that people are fighting me in Rivers and that it will be difficult, brother, I have never had an election that has been easy, but this one will be the easiest election as far as I know. The factors are clear. What are you going to tell Rivers people now? What will you present to them that will make them believe that following you will be more beneficial than what they have today?” he stated.