A chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has challenged a claim by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concerning the political influence of the five governors who formed the G5 group.

Yesufu said the governors could not demonstrate sufficient political strength during the 2023 general elections, particularly in securing victories for their preferred candidates in senatorial elections.

She made the remarks while reacting to Wike’s recent comments on the role of the G5 governors in Nigerian politics.

According to Yesufu, the political performance of the governors in the 2023 elections did not support claims about their ability to deliver electoral victories.

She accused Wike of making misleading claims about the group’s political influence.

Yesufu said, “Wike lied. The G5 governors could not even deliver Senate seats.”

The G5 comprised the then governors of Rivers, Oyo, Benue, Enugu and Abia states — Wike, Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu.

The group broke ranks with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election and declined to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Yesufu’s comments come as political parties and politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.