Presidential candidates playing ethnic card won’t get voted in 2023: Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, on Tuesday,  said what Nigerians were looking for in 2023 is a president that has the interest of the citizens at heart.

Speaking at the national women’s conference organised by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos, Mr Wike said the country needed a president with experience in governance.

“We are looking for a president that Nigerians can say yes, can put food on the table, will fight insecurity, that is what we are looking for, not some people who are talking about ethnicity,” Mr Wike said. 

Although Mr Wike did not categorically mention a candidate’s name, he has been in a rift with Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, following the outcome of the party’s primary election.

Days ago, Mr Abubakar said northern Nigerians did not need a Yoruba or Igbo president.

“What the average northerner needs is somebody from the north who understands that part of the country and has been able to build bridges across the country.

“This is what the northerner needs; he doesn’t need a Yoruba or Igbo candidate. I stand before you as a Pan-Nigerian of northern origin,” Mr Atiku had said.

Meanwhile, Mr Wike expressed support for the second term bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

He said Mr Sanwo-Olu’s performance had earned him a second term, commending the governor for giving women the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the state.

“If you are not in my party and you are doing well, I will support you. If you are in my party and you are not doing well, I will not support you. That is what I stand for,” the Rivers governor said.

According to him, by the grace of God, Mr Sanwo-Olu will be a second-time governor as Lagos has continued to progress in his administration.

“Talking about raising the capacity of women, no nation can develop without women. So assuming that alone, you should see it as a major project, and if a man does that, of course, you need to encourage such a person.

“I just told you that it is a lesson for me. I am leaving the office; if I had known about this, probably, I would have started it. But it is not too late for me. I am going back home to tell my wife, let it be that we have established this, not for us, but for future governments that are coming.”

Mr Wike added, “So for me, I am satisfied; it doesn’t matter the party difference.”

(NAN)