2027: Obi’s wave doesn’t exist again, he has nothing to offer — Wike
Wike Criticizes Obi’s Political Viability Ahead of 2027 Elections
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, dismissed the political momentum that propelled Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), during the 2023 election. Wike asserted that such support has dissipated and emphasized that Obi has little to offer leading up to the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during his monthly media chat on Thursday, Wike characterized Obi as a “dramatist” and expressed skepticism about the viability of a presidential ticket featuring Obi alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“The so-called Obi wave doesn’t exist anymore. I have killed it,” Wike stated, arguing that the political dynamics that previously benefited Obi have shifted significantly since the last election.
He criticized Obi’s ability to connect with voters, referencing comments made by another politician, Soludo, who he claimed had exposed Obi’s shortcomings. “Nigerians know that Obi has nothing to offer,” Wike said, adding that Obi’s engagement with the electorate appears to have diminished.
Wike also took aim at Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), suggesting that past opportunities for leadership have yielded disappointing results. “Nigerians know that Atiku and others have been given the chance to govern, but they did not deliver. The former governor of Rivers State looted our state,” he claimed.
While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s popularity, Wike questioned the extent of his influence beyond Kano State, where he secured a victory during the 2023 presidential election. “Kwankwaso is popular, but what about the other northern states? What will happen in the North-Central?” Wike asked.
Furthermore, Wike expressed doubts about Obi’s current level of financial and popular support compared to the previous election cycle. “How many people are contributing money for Obi today?” he questioned, reiterating that the momentum associated with Obi’s candidacy has significantly declined.
