The Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Success Jack, has reacted to comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the role he played in preventing Peter Obi from winning Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, recently disclosed that the G5 governors adopted political strategies during the 2023 election aimed at preventing the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from gaining an advantage in the South-South region.
The G5 consisted of Wike and former governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
Wike said the group’s strategy allowed Obi to make gains in some states, including Edo and Cross River, but that Rivers State was different.
According to him, the political calculation in Rivers was to ensure that Obi did not emerge as the winner of the state in the presidential election.
The former governor also maintained that the outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reflected the votes recorded in the state.
Reacting to the development, Jack said the NDC would resist any attempt by political actors to determine the choice of Rivers voters ahead of future elections.
The NDC chairman stressed that the people of Rivers State should be allowed to decide who they want to support through the ballot.
Jack’s comments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Rivers expected to remain an important battleground because of its electoral significance in the South-South region.
The disagreement has also revived discussions about the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election and the influence of the G5 governors on the voting pattern across parts of the country.
The G5 had broken ranks with the PDP presidential campaign before the 2023 election following disagreements with the party’s leadership over issues surrounding its presidential ticket and internal power-sharing arrangements.
Wike and his allies maintained that their position was based on demands for fairness and balance within the PDP, while Atiku and his supporters continued with the presidential campaign.
Following the election, Tinubu was declared the winner in Rivers State, while Obi also recorded victories in several states across the South-South and South-East regions.
The latest comments by Wike and the response from the NDC Rivers leadership have therefore brought renewed attention to the political dynamics in the state.
The development is coming at a time when Obi and other opposition figures are repositioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The NDC has been building its political structure and preparing its campaign machinery, with Obi expected to lead the party’s presidential campaign.
Jack’s position also underscores the growing contest among political groups seeking to strengthen their influence in Rivers ahead of the next general election.
As political activities increase, the debate over the 2023 election and the role played by major political actors is expected to remain part of discussions surrounding the 2027 contest.
For the NDC leadership in Rivers, however, the focus remains on ensuring that voters are given the opportunity to freely determine the outcome of future elections in the state.
