Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Peter Obi’s supporters of targeting him for refusing to back Obi’s 2023 presidential bid.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said he was not ready to waste Rivers votes on someone he thought would not fly, according to Daily Post.
Wike claims Obi’s lobbyists aggressively courted him before the election but he declined, doubting Obi’s chances of winning.
The former governor stated that he prioritized Rivers State’s interests, refusing to “waste” votes on a candidate he believed wouldn’t succeed.
This decision, Wike asserts, sparked resentment among Obi’s supporters, who are now seeking revenge.
The controversy surrounds the contentious 2023 presidential election, marred by allegations of rigging and vote-buying in Rivers State.
Wike’s own role in the election has faced scrutiny, with accusations of using thugs to influence voters.
The election saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission with Tinubu, Obi, and Atiku Abubakar each securing 12 states.
Wike’s allegations against Obi’s group are the latest development in the ongoing fallout from the election.
The rift between Wike and Obi’s supporters highlights the lingering tensions and divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, “Peter Obi’s group lobbied me so much. They cannot deny it. And I said ‘look, this one won’t fly.’ ‘Rivers State will not vote for where it’s not going to fly’. There’s also a gang up and I say, ‘look, enough is enough.’ They want to fight us back. They’re fighting themselves. ”
