Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the political relevance of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, declaring that his emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate would not benefit Rivers State or the South-South region.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike described Amaechi as a politician who lacks the electoral strength to deliver votes, insisting that his selection as a running mate could not sway the people of Rivers.
According to the FCT minister, Rivers State has received unprecedented attention under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing major infrastructure projects such as the Bonny Road as evidence of increased federal investment.
He argued that no previous administration had given the state the level of attention it is currently enjoying.
Wike Questions Amaechi’s Electoral Record
Wike maintained that Amaechi had repeatedly failed to deliver electoral victories despite occupying influential positions in national politics.
He questioned Amaechi’s value as a vice presidential candidate, suggesting that factors other than electoral strength may have influenced his selection.
“If you are choosing a vice presidential candidate, the only factor that may have been used to choose Rotimi Amaechi is perhaps financial, because he lacks the capacity to deliver votes,” Wike said.
The minister noted that Amaechi served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaigns in 2015 and 2019 and later supported Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, arguing that the former governor failed to secure significant electoral support for those candidates in Rivers State.
Accuses Amaechi of Political Inconsistency
Wike also accused Amaechi of contradicting himself over the ADC’s internal processes.
According to him, Amaechi had previously criticised the party’s primary election as being riddled with irregularities and corruption but later accepted its outcome.
“How can someone condemn a process as corrupt and then turn around to benefit from that same process?” Wike asked.
South-South Politics
The FCT minister further argued that Amaechi’s political decisions during the 2015 general election could affect his acceptance across the South-South.
He recalled Amaechi’s opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid and referenced the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.
Wike said many voters in the region would remember those events when assessing Amaechi’s current political ambitions.
Comments on Cardinal Onaiyekan
During the media briefing, Wike also commented on recent exchanges involving Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Presidency.
While acknowledging that public officials should welcome constructive criticism, the minister argued that religious leaders should remain impartial in political matters.
He alleged that the cleric openly supported a political candidate during the 2023 general election, adding that criticism of government should be balanced with recognition of areas where progress has been made.
ADC Replies: Wike Is Afraid of a Strong Opposition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State rejected Wike’s comments, accusing the minister of attacking opposition figures out of concern over the coalition’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, the ADC described Wike’s remarks as contradictory.
According to the party, the minister’s repeated criticism of opposition leaders undermines his claim that they pose no electoral threat.
“It is ironic that a man who repeatedly says the opposition has no electoral value continues to devote so much time attacking them. Such contradictions reveal anxiety rather than confidence,” the statement said.
The party maintained that Amaechi remains one of Rivers State’s most influential political figures, arguing that his record in governance and national service speaks for itself.
ADC: Rivers People Will Decide 2027
Responding to Wike’s suggestion that the outcome of the 2027 election was already predictable, the ADC insisted that no individual or political party could determine the will of the electorate in advance.
The opposition party stressed that Rivers voters would ultimately decide the state’s political future through the ballot box.
It also urged public office holders to focus on addressing pressing national issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure deficits, rather than engaging in prolonged political exchanges.
“Rivers State belongs to its people, not to any individual,” the party said.
