Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that either of them won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.
Wike said the claims were based on results from selected polling units and social media, insisting that the actual winner was determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Monday during a television programme monitored in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor said, “They won in their imagination. Who did INEC declare to have won? See, I’ve been in this system, I’m in this game.”
He questioned how a candidate could claim victory after results from only a few polling units when Rivers State has more than 7,000 polling units across its 23 local government areas.
According to him, results from isolated polling units cannot be used to determine the overall winner of an election.
“Out of the 7,000-and-something polling units, until all polling units have come out, even if 200 polling units have come and they say Obi has won, or Atiku has won, I am not convinced,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also challenged those who claimed victory to produce evidence before the election tribunal.
“You can win an election on social media. You can win there. I’m not interested in social media winning. I’m talking about practically, the results that are on ground, who won, who was declared, and that’s all,” he said.
‘2027 will be my easiest election’
Wike, who served as Rivers governor between 2015 and 2023, also dismissed concerns about the growing opposition against him in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
He declared that, despite his experience of difficult electoral contests, he expects the next election to be the easiest he has faced.
“I’ve never had an election that has been easy, but this one will be the easiest, this one will be the easiest election as far as I know,” Wike said.
The minister recalled his political journey, which began with his election as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1999, saying he had survived several difficult political contests.
He cited the 2015 governorship election, when he faced opposition from the administration of then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, as well as the 2019 election, which he alleged was characterised by federal pressure against his administration.
Wike also recalled an encounter with his late brother, Herbert Wigwe, shortly before the 2019 election, saying Wigwe had warned him about the political situation and advised him to take precautions.
According to Wike, he remained confident that the people of Rivers State would support him.
He said his experience had shown that political structures alone could not guarantee electoral victory if a candidate lacked the support of the people.
“Government can come with all their forces, but when you are with your people, the moment your people appreciate what you are doing, it will be difficult,” he stated.
Wike further challenged his opponents to explain what they would offer Rivers people that would make them prefer their political platform.
“The factors are clear. Who are the candidates? What are you going to tell Rivers people now? What will you present to Rivers people that will make them believe that following you will be more beneficial to them than what they are having today?” he asked.
The minister maintained that his political influence was built over the years through his relationship with the people and efforts to develop political leaders in the state.
