Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the emergence of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election.
Wike argued that Amaechi’s nomination would not strengthen the opposition’s chances at the polls.
He made the remarks on Saturday during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi recently emerged as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after losing the ADC presidential primary.
Wike questions Amaechi’s electoral record
Wike said Amaechi’s political history does not make him a major electoral asset to the opposition coalition.
He recalled that Amaechi served two terms as governor of Rivers State before becoming Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Despite occupying those positions, Wike argued that Amaechi failed to produce significant electoral results for Buhari in Rivers State.
“Chibuike Amaechi running as vice-presidential candidate is not a plus to Amaechi. He was governor and could not deliver for Buhari. He was a Grade A minister and still could not secure 25 per cent for Buhari in Rivers State.”
The FCT minister also referred to Amaechi’s past comments about his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 election.
According to Wike, those remarks could make it difficult for Amaechi to gain widespread support in Rivers State.
“He publicly said he was among those who removed Jonathan. He did not want a South-South president to complete his tenure. Given that history, it will be difficult to sell his candidature to Rivers people.”
Wike backs Tinubu’s administration
Wike also compared the Tinubu administration with previous governments.
He argued that the current administration has created more opportunities for appointments and manpower development across the Niger Delta.
According to him, Rivers people should support what he described as better leadership.
“Any Rivers person who genuinely loves the state and wants its development cannot choose what is inferior over what is better. People should always put the interest of Rivers State first.”
Former governor speaks on Ogoni, PDP
Continuing his criticism, Wike accused Amaechi of political inconsistency over his recent engagement with the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
He argued that Amaechi denied an Ogoni politician the opportunity to become governor while he was in power but later sought the group’s support after moving into the opposition.
“When he was in power, he denied an Ogoni man the opportunity to become governor. Now that he is in opposition, he is reaching out to them. Why deceive the public?”
Wike also addressed reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) submitted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate.
He said neither he nor the mainstream PDP leadership was involved in the move.
“I have never heard former President Jonathan say he wants to run for president.”
Wike reaffirms support for Tinubu
The FCT minister restated his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He said he had no reason to abandon the current administration.
“We are with the President and happy where we are. Nobody leaves something good for something worse. Tinubu will win, and I will support Tinubu.”
Wike also acknowledged that the PDP would eventually field a presidential candidate for the election.
However, he maintained that the opposition party must first resolve its internal crisis before it could become politically competitive again.
He added that the presidency should remain in the South after the completion of Tinubu’s tenure.
“It is the turn of the South.”
Read also: Rivers crisis: Wike says Fubara lost second-term opportunity
