Why Nigerians voted for Tinubu instead of Peter Obi – Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has voiced his opinion that Nigerians might have rallied behind Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, in the February 25, 2023 general election if he had presented a stronger candidacy.

Wike shared this perspective during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday. The former Governor of Rivers State indicated that he threw his support behind President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), instead of Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the fiercely contested election.

While Wike underscored that he no longer engages in discussions centered on presidential candidates, he shifted the focus to the economy and the offerings of the incumbent president. He stated, “I don’t discuss presidential candidates any longer; I discuss the economy, the president, what he has to offer.”

In his assessment, Wike suggested that the electoral outcome might have leaned in favor of Peter Obi if his candidacy had been more compelling and resonated better with the electorate. His commentary highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics and the role of candidate appeal in influencing voting decisions.