According to a report by Daily Post on Monday September 1, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to the call by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for a one-term presidency in the 2023 elections.
Wike advised Obi to focus on the present and the reality of running for office, cautioning that the dynamics of governance may significantly alter once in power.
According to Wike, if Obi were to become president, he would soon realize that the complexities of leadership would change his perspective on whether to seek a second term.
Speaking during his regular monthly media chat, Wike aligned himself with the views of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who had earlier criticised Obi’s stance.
Wike stressed that Obi’s call for a single term was not practical and could only be tested if he ever assumes the presidential office.
He emphasized that circumstances often change once a leader takes office, and it is unlikely that Obi would remain indifferent to the idea of a second term if elected.
In a further critique, Wike pointed out the challenges that Obi would face in securing a second run for the presidency.
He questioned the practicality of Obi continuing his political journey under the Labour Party, especially considering the changing political landscape.
According to Wike, the six million votes Obi received in the 2023 election were largely tied to his political platform at that time, which was the Labour Party.
However, Wike argued that this support would not necessarily carry over if Obi decided to switch to another platform, such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike further raised concerns about the role of social media in modern elections, noting that in this era, political movements are deeply shaped by digital platforms.
He claimed that the dynamics of political campaigns in Nigeria had shifted drastically and questioned whether the Labour Party could sustain the level of support that Obi garnered in the previous election.
According to Wike, even with the potential return of his six million votes, Obi would need to carefully consider where and how he would run for office.
This included deciding which political party he would affiliate with and the platform he would use to launch his campaign.
The Minister’s comments also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the political direction of several key figures, including Obi.
Wike pointed out that while figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi had made it clear where they stood regarding their future political moves, Obi had yet to clarify his own position.
Atiku had publicly stated his intention to run for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Amaechi had also expressed his preference for the ADC.
However, Obi’s next steps remained unclear, and Wike suggested that the Labour Party’s future may not offer the same level of support that it did in the past.
Wike’s remarks underscored the complexities of Nigerian politics and the unpredictable nature of electoral outcomes.
He warned that the political tide could easily turn, and Obi, like any other political figure, would need to carefully navigate his path if he wished to stay relevant.
His cautionary advice to Obi was a reminder that the political landscape in Nigeria is ever-evolving, and leaders must be prepared to adapt to the shifting tides if they hope to maintain their influence.
In conclusion, Wike’s message to Peter Obi was clear: the journey to the presidency is filled with unpredictable challenges, and the political reality may be far more complicated than what it seems from the outside.
He advised Obi to focus on the present political realities and to prepare for the tough choices that lie ahead, especially if he seeks a second term in office.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the political landscape in Nigeria is likely to continue shifting, and the decisions made by key political figures will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
“This era of social media, which party will you run? Is it Labour? Where will he get the six million votes — under the PDP? Under Labour Party? If you are running, people should know the party you are running. They should know the platform. Is it December that he will mention it? Atiku has said he will run in the ADC, Amaechi said ADC, but he has not said where he will run.
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