Wike Discusses G5 Strategy Impacting 2023 Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, made significant remarks regarding the 2023 presidential election, indicating that the G5 governors had a strategy to diminish Atiku Abubakar's traditional support within the South-South region. He asserted that Peter Obi was allowed to gain votes in Edo and Cross River, but claimed, “Obi will not win here,” referring to Rivers, and stated, “we stopped it.” Wike later clarified that his comments were about political strategy rather than electoral manipulation.

He also commented on the Osun governorship election, suggesting that if President Bola Tinubu had been present, the outcome would have been different, invoking the concept of “federal might.” While Wike's statements do not constitute proof of electoral manipulation, they raise questions about the integrity of elections overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as they suggest a troubling narrative of political influence over electoral outcomes.