Wike Denies Election Rigging Claims, Explains G5 Strategy

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, rejected claims of electoral manipulation in the 2023 presidential election, asserting that he did not rig the election to favor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike clarified that the G5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) employed a political strategy to prevent Atiku Abubakar, the party's presidential candidate at the time, from gaining a significant advantage in the South-South region.

He challenged critics to provide evidence of rigging from polling units or election tribunals. Wike explained that the G5's strategy was to ensure that Obi received votes in the South-South, as they perceived Atiku as a greater threat to their interests.

He emphasized that the traditional PDP stronghold in the South-South could have bolstered Atiku's campaign if he secured those votes. Wike also criticized reliance on social media for electoral projections, urging those alleging rigging to present their evidence in court.