By George Omagbemi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the chances of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, claiming that the political movement that propelled him to prominence in 2023 has lost its influence.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday, November 5, during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he also questioned the possibility of opposition parties forcing a presidential run-off against President Bola Tinubu.
“All this so-called Obi Kererenke doesn’t exist again. I have killed it,” the minister declared.
He further described Obi as a dramatist and claimed that the former Labour Party presidential candidate had nothing to offer Nigerians.
Wike also questioned whether Obi still enjoyed the financial backing and popular support that characterised his 2023 campaign.
“The Obi wave is dead and buried. How many people are contributing money for Obi today?” he asked.
The FCT minister equally questioned the political reach of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, acknowledging his popularity in Kano but asking whether it could translate into substantial support across other northern states.
On former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Wike argued that Nigerians had previously given him opportunities to serve but were not satisfied with his record.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and attracted considerable support, particularly among young voters. He has since aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor, supported Tinubu during the 2023 election despite belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was subsequently appointed FCT minister.
The minister’s comments come amid political realignments and growing opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.
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