Social media won’t make you President, Wike tells Tinubu’s opponents

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at presidential hopefuls relying on internet hype, declaring that the presidency of Nigeria cannot be won on social media.

Speaking at a political stakeholders’ engagement in Rivers State, on Thursday, Wike urged Nigerians to move past emotional sentiment and evaluate candidates based on realistic track records, sacrifices, and performance.

Addressing stakeholders across political divides, the Minister questioned the strategy of opposition politicians who build virtual popularity instead of engaging in real ground politics.

“I want to ask all of you: if you want to help a man become president, is it through social media? What will you do when the time comes? Who will you vote for? Will you vote for someone simply because of what you see on social media? Who will you vote for to move Nigeria forward?,” he stated.

Wike emphasized that national leadership requires unity and capacity rather than online rhetoric, insisting that he remains committed to the stability of the country.

Highlighting the gains of the current administration, the FCT Minister pointed to the stability in public tertiary institutions as a major achievement resulting from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction.

“In the past, children were sent to public universities, but nobody knew when they would ever graduate due to constant disruptions.

“Every day, there was a new issue. But for the past three to three and a half years, these institutions have not gone on strike. That is a clear advantage,” Wike stated.

He urged citizens to exercise patience as the administration’s economic policies mature, stressing that temporary sacrifices are required to build lasting progress.

According to him: “If all of us support the President’s economic reforms to save lives and ensure the betterment of Nigeria by re-electing him, we will see the benefits.

“ In life, you must make sacrifices to reach your destination. Why are some of us in such a hurry? Why do we expect results without enduring the process?”

Outlining his strategic focus for the upcoming political cycle, Wike revealed plans to construct a broad-based political alliance beyond traditional party boundaries in Rivers State.

He argued that securing maximum votes for the President requires uniting key actors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups into a cohesive voting block.

“If we rely solely on APC voters and traditional supporters, the votes may not be enough. But if we bring together stakeholders from the PDP, the Labour Party, and other political groups, we will build a winning coalition.

“Anyone who truly wants to deliver results must engage stakeholders across the board, work hard, and secure the necessary numbers for victory,” he said.