The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential bid as “dead on arrival.”
Ezenwo Wike, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, said Nigerians won’t give Amaechi a chance in the 2027 election.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition determined to wrest power from President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 poll, came second in the 2022 APC presidential primary won by ex-Lagos governor Tinubu.
In 2025, Amaechi dumped the APC and moved to the ADC, seeking the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Wike, a former Rivers State governor who succeeded Amaechi, expressed doubts about Amaechi’s ability to fight corruption and promote good governance.
Wike also faulted Amaechi’s record as Rivers State governor, citing his alleged disregard for the judiciary and the rule of law.
Wike is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, a position he holds under the APC administration led by President Tinubu.
Despite serving in the APC government, Wike remained a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has been accused of stoking discord within the party.
Meanwhile, Wike on Tuesday alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, was angry with President Bola Tinubu because he was not given vice president slot.
He said that Lawal’s anger stemmed from not being chosen as Tinubu’s running mate, which Lawal had apparently hoped for.
Wike further faulted Lawal’s recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration, describing his comments as disrespectful and uncalled for.
He advised Lawal to have addressed his concerns directly with the President rather than making public criticisms.
Recall that Lawal has criticised the Tinubu administration’s governance style, describing the government as “unapproachable.”
-Lawal also faulted the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians were yet to benefit from the policy change.
Wike stressed that governance was a collective effort and that Nigerians should engage with ministers and advisers rather than expecting direct access to the President.
