Wike Explains G-5 Strategy to Aid Obi in 2023 Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed that the G-5 governors intentionally allowed Peter Obi to win in parts of the South-South during the 2023 presidential election to weaken Atiku Abubakar's candidacy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In an interview on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Wike explained that the strategy was based on the belief that the PDP's traditional strength in the region would work against Atiku.

The G-5 governors, which included Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Wike of Rivers, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, decided to let Obi win in Edo and Cross River to disadvantage Atiku. However, they blocked Obi from winning in Rivers due to concerns about the political implications.

Wike stated that the conditions favoring Obi in 2023, such as the backlash against the ruling party's Muslim-Muslim ticket, have since diminished, questioning Obi's ability to replicate his success in the upcoming 2027 elections.