Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the vice-presidential ambition of his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, describing the former Rivers governor as a politician without the electoral strength to influence the outcome of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike said Amaechi’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate would not sway voters in Rivers State or the South-South.
He argued that Rivers State was receiving unprecedented attention from the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, citing ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Bonny Road, as evidence.
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s electoral record, alleging that he had failed to deliver significant votes for presidential candidates despite occupying key political positions.
“He has never won a presidential election after 2011, when I was the Director of Campaign.
“He was the Director-General of Buhari in 2015 when he was governor; why did he not get 25 per cent? He supported Atiku in 2023; how come he didn’t get 15 per cent?” Wike said.
The minister accused Amaechi of political inconsistency, alleging that he had previously criticised the ADC primary process but later accepted its outcome.
“This was the same man who said the ADC primary was full of irregularity and corruption. The same man is now benefiting from that process,” he said.
Wike further argued that Amaechi’s opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015 and his alleged role in events surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, would count against him politically in the South-South.
On recent comments by Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Wike said public and religious leaders should balance criticism of government with acknowledgement of its achievements.
“Criticise, but acknowledge areas of progress. As a leader, commend the government when it has done well,” he said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State dismissed Wike’s remarks, describing them as evidence of growing concern over the opposition’s increasing influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, the party said Wike’s repeated attacks on opposition figures contradicted his claim that they posed no threat.
“Such contradictions betray anxiety rather than confidence,” the statement said.
The party maintained that Amaechi remained one of Rivers State’s most influential political leaders, insisting that his record in public office spoke for itself.
ADC also rejected Wike’s suggestion that the outcome of the 2027 election was already predictable, stressing that the electorate alone would determine who emerged victorious.
The party urged political leaders to focus on addressing pressing national issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure deficits, rather than engaging in political exchanges.
“Rivers State belongs to its people, not to any individual,” the statement added.
