The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, has demanded an investigation into Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s claim that the G5 governors deliberately allowed Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to win in parts of the South-South during the 2023 presidential election to weaken the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The group said the claim raised serious questions about the role of powerful political actors in shaping electoral outcomes and the extent to which voters’ choices may have been influenced during the 2023 presidential poll.

In a statement on Thursday, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, called for clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and relevant security agencies.

Wike had said on a television programme that the G5 governors considered Atiku and the PDP a greater threat in the South-South and therefore allowed Obi to win in states including Edo and Cross River, while ensuring he did not win Rivers because of the political implications.

“It was only Rivers that said, ‘No, we have a problem here in Rivers. Obi will not win here. If he wins, it sends a signal somewhere, people may not understand it.’ And we stopped it,” Wike said.

CHRICED said the disclosure should not be dismissed as political banter, arguing that any deliberate effort by political actors to influence electoral outcomes would raise questions about voter sovereignty and the integrity of the electoral process.

“If state officials can ‘allow’ or ‘prevent’ candidates from winning in their states, then the fundamental principle that sovereignty belongs to the people is gravely undermined,” the organisation said.

The group asked Wike and the other former G5 governors; Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to explain the nature, extent and mechanisms of the strategy.

It also called for an inquiry into whether any actions by state officials compromised the 2023 presidential election, while demanding stronger safeguards against political interference ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Elections are not chessboards for powerful individuals to manipulate at will. They are solemn civic exercises through which citizens express their democratic will,” CHRICED said.

The organisation further urged INEC, civil society groups and the media to intensify voter education ahead of 2027, particularly on voting, counting, collation and declaration of results.

It said the controversy should prompt renewed efforts to strengthen public confidence in elections, stressing that the ballot belongs to the people. (Vanguard)