Wike Declares Peter Obi Lacks Genuine Popularity

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed skepticism regarding the popularity of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday. Wike acknowledged that while Obi garners significant attention from supporters, this does not equate to widespread electoral support.

He remarked, “To Obi, he is very popular each time people shout Obi-Obi... But in the real sense, he is not popular.” Wike also addressed the potential challenges Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), may face in the southern region if Bola Tinubu encounters difficulties in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He recalled the strategy of the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election, stating that they aimed to undermine Atiku's chances in the South, indicating that if Tinubu has problems in the North, Atiku will similarly struggle in the South.