Wike Questions Judiciary’s Consistency in Obi’s Electoral Mandates
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has raised eyebrows regarding the perceived inconsistency in the judiciary’s treatment of Peter Obi’s electoral mandates. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pointed out what he sees as a discrepancy in the judiciary’s rulings.
Wike noted that the judiciary had previously upheld Peter Obi’s victory when he contested the removal of his gubernatorial mandate in Anambra State in 2007, suggesting that this decision was correct. However, he questioned the judiciary’s stance when Obi’s presidential bid faced rejection at the recent presidential Tribunal, deeming this judgment incorrect.
The FCT Minister challenged Peter Obi to clarify whether any impropriety or bribery had played a role in his previous Supreme Court victory, emphasizing the apparent disparity in the judiciary’s verdicts.
The Presidential Election Petitions Court, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, delivered a marathon 12-hour judgment on Wednesday, dismissing the petitions of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the PDP and its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, as well as the petitions of the Labour Party (LP) and Peter Obi. The verdict solidly affirmed Bola Tinubu’s presidential election victory, a former Lagos State governor.
Both Atiku and Obi have contested the Tribunal’s decision and announced their intention to seek legal recourse at the Supreme Court.
During his appearance on Channels Television, Wike, who describes himself as a realist, openly stated that he had never believed Peter Obi would secure victory in the February 25, 2023, poll. He candidly declared his support for Bola Tinubu in the election and praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its role in the electoral process.
Wike suggested that while Obi may have been a popular choice among young voters, he did not fully consider the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, including factors like ethnicity and religion, which often play significant roles in determining election outcomes.
In essence, Wike’s comments shed light on the intricate nature of Nigerian politics and the multifaceted challenges faced by candidates, even those with considerable appeal, in navigating the complexities of the country’s electoral landscape.
