The Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Success Jack, has rejected Nyesom Wike’s claim that the former Rivers governor and members of the G5 governors deliberately prevented Peter Obi from winning the state in the 2023 presidential election.
Jack said any attempt to influence or manipulate the outcome of the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State would be resisted, arguing that voters would play a more active role in protecting their ballots.
His comments followed Wike’s recent disclosure that the G5, a group of five then-PDP governors, adopted a strategy in 2023 to weaken Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid. Wike said the group allowed Obi to win in some South-South states but deliberately stopped him from taking Rivers because of the political implications of such a victory.
Responding to the claim, Jack said the NDC was not intimidated by Wike’s comments and argued that changes in the electoral process would make it difficult for anyone to simply determine election results.
“What the Minister said doesn’t worry me a bit because the electoral system has changed,” Jack said, adding that voters would monitor the counting and transmission of results from polling units to collation centres.
The NDC chairman also raised concerns about possible voter intimidation but said his party would continue its political activities in the state. He concluded his response by telling Wike, “I wish him well, but not in our Rivers State.”
The exchange is significant as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with Rivers State expected to remain an important battleground because of its political influence and strategic position in the South-South.
Wike’s latest comments have also renewed attention on the role played by the G5 during the 2023 presidential election, when the group opposed Atiku’s candidacy and pursued a strategy that weakened the PDP’s presidential campaign in parts of the South-South.
