Wike To Peter Obi: You Keep Contesting As President Only On Social Media
Wike to Peter Obi: You Keep Contesting as President Only on Social Media
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, accusing him of running what he called a “social media presidency.”
Wike, speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Thursday, said Obi’s political strategy lacks grassroots structure and real-world impact beyond online popularity.
“You can’t be contesting for president on social media. Politics is about structure, engagement, and coalition-building — not hashtags,” Wike said.
He noted that while Obi enjoys massive followership among Nigerian youths online, politics in the country is still driven by physical mobilization, alliances, and established party structures.
The FCT minister, who was a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the last election before joining President Bola Tinubu’s government, also dismissed claims that the Labour Party could unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“Let’s be realistic — how many governors, senators, or local government chairmen does Labour Party have? That’s how you measure strength, not tweets and trends,” Wike added.
He, however, commended Obi for raising political consciousness among young Nigerians but insisted that translating that enthusiasm into electoral victory would require building alliances across the country.
Peter Obi is yet to officially respond to Wike’s comments, but Labour Party supporters have already taken to social media to defend their candidate, saying Wike’s remarks reflect the political establishment’s fear of Obi’s growing influence among ordinary Nigerians.
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