By Thomas Abidoye
.…..they will vote me massively
Wike – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong confidence that he would secure overwhelming support from Nigerians if he decides to run for the presidency.
Wike made the statement during a media chat with selected journalists on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Abuja.
He highlighted his widespread popularity and the belief that Nigerians continue to hold him in high regard.
Wike stated that Nigerians still love him, and if he runs for the presidential election, they will vote for him massively.
The minister pointed to his track record of achievements during his tenure as Rivers State governor and his current role in the FCT as factors that would resonate with the electorate.
He emphasised his ability to connect effectively with ordinary citizens across the country.
Wike also addressed the recent Area Council elections in the FCT, asserting that his loyalists performed strongly and that even if the polls were repeated, they would maintain their victories.
Wike’s 2023 Presidential Ambition, PDP Primary Loss to Atiku, and Formation of G5 Governors
In the buildup to the 2023 general elections, Nyesom Wike contested the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on May 28-29, 2022, in Abuja.
He emerged as a strong contender, finishing second with 237 votes after a competitive race involving several aspirants.
Atiku Abubakar won the primary with 371 votes, defeating Wike and others. Wike had campaigned vigorously, focusing on his governance record in Rivers State and promises of national development.
Following the result, Wike publicly criticised aspects of the process, including the choice of running mate Ifeanyi Okowa (then Delta State governor) over himself, claiming a PDP committee had rated him higher in internal assessments.
The outcome led to lingering tensions within the PDP. Wike, along with four other PDP governors—Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), formed the G5 group.
The G5 demanded reforms within the party, including the resignation of the national chairman and greater inclusivity, particularly from the southern region.
The group refused to support Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid or the PDP candidate in their states during the 2023 elections. Their stance contributed to challenges for the PDP in key southern and middle-belt states.
Wike openly campaigned against PDP candidates in some instances and supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Bola Tinubu in certain contexts, though he did not formally defect from the PDP at the time.
The G5’s actions drew significant attention and criticism from PDP leaders, who accused the group of working against the party’s interests.
Atiku later described the episode as a betrayal, while Wike maintained that the PDP failed to address internal grievances.
The fallout influenced electoral outcomes in the affected states and highlighted divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2023 polls.
Wike has since aligned closely with the Tinubu administration as FCT Minister, while occasionally commenting on his political future and national appeal.