The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he did not support the 2023 presidential bid of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi because he believed Obi lacked the political structure and viability to win the election.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Wike described Obi as a “social media candidate” with limited prospects in Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.

“No, he has no chance to win election,” Wike said. “I don’t go to where you see people like this kind of social media candidates. I don’t do social media candidate.”

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and an influential figure within the political establishment, said his support is always guided by a realistic assessment of candidates’ electoral strength rather than online popularity.

“I said I see that as a politician, and I analyse the candidate who is likely to win,” he explained.

According to the FCT Minister, elections in Nigeria are not won solely based on merit or online momentum, but through a combination of strategy, structure, and political experience.

“In politics, it’s not always the right that oh, this is the best candidate. No, no, no. You see Nigerians today, in politics, so many factors come in,” Wike added.

He also referenced the difficult climate leading up to the 2023 polls, highlighting the controversial naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity as disruptive elements that threatened the chances of the ruling party at the time.

“It was very, very turbulent for Tinubu to get to that election,” Wike recalled. “It is one party administration. You could see people don’t want to speak the truth before that election.”

Despite these challenges, Wike commended President Bola Tinubu for navigating the political minefield and ultimately securing victory.

“No party in government would at that time bring some policy when you know you’re running an election,” he said. “But everything was done and he survived.”

Wike concluded by attributing Tinubu’s success to divine providence and political expertise.

“That’s how you know that there are people — first of all, God is on their side. Two, they also know this game. You must give it to them.”