The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that Peter Obi’s camp, representing the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, lobbied him extensively ahead of the general elections.
In a report by PUNCH Online, Wike disclosed that despite the efforts of Obi’s team, he declined to back their presidential bid or that of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
Instead, the former Governor of Rivers State chose to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a luncheon in Port Harcourt, in honor of the 10th Rivers State Assembly, Wike addressed the criticism from Obi’s camp, stating that his refusal to support their candidate has drawn ire from various factions.
“Let me tell you what is going on,” Wike said.
“I have no regrets whatsoever for supporting President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
None at all.
All these things you are witnessing, there is Atiku’s group, Peter Obi’s group, and a few PDP governors who believe I am a problem for them.
I will continue to be a problem for them,”he continued.
Wike further explained that despite persistent lobbying from Obi’s camp, he stood firm in his decision, arguing that supporting Obi did not align with the interests of Rivers State.
“Obi’s group lobbied me so much.
They can’t deny it.
I told them, This will not work.
Rivers State will not follow a path that doesn’t align with us.
It will not succeed,” Wike stated.
He also addressed ongoing tensions within the PDP, where certain individuals eyeing the 2027 presidential ticket are allegedly conspiring against him.
“There is another conspiracy within the PDP by those seeking the presidency.
They believe, if we don’t act now, we’ll have a problem.
I can assure you, they will have a problem,” he said confidently.
Additionally, Wike clarified his stance on the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, asserting that they were not allies and that his only concern was ensuring Damagum completed the tenure of former chairman Iyorcha Ayu.
“They say Damagum should go.
I’m not friends with Damagum; he never supported me.
The truth must always be told,” Wike remarked.
Wike’s comments shed light on the complex political dynamics leading up to the 2023 elections and the power struggles that continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
