By The Cable
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Rotimi Amaechi, vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), will not be a political asset to Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 elections.
Amaechi lost the ADC presidential ticket to Atiku during the party’s primary in May. Shortly after the primary, the ADC named the former governor of Rivers as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 elections.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC spokesperson, said in a statement Amaechi that, as one of Nigeria’s “most experienced and respected political leaders”, enjoys “widespread support from party members across the federation”.
‘AMAECHI IS NOT A PLUS TO ATIKU’
Speaking at a media parley in Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike argued that Amaechi’s political history does not support claims that he could significantly influence electoral outcomes in Rivers state or elsewhere in favour of Atiku.
“Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is not a plus to Atiku Abubakar,” Wike said.
“Remember, he was governor here and could not produce a successor. He was director-general of a presidential campaign, and they could not deliver 25 percent for Buhari in Rivers state.
“He was also a minister and later became a campaign DG, yet Mr President still did not get 25 percent in the presidential election.”
The minister referenced a past anti-Jonathan remark attributed to Amaechi in which the former Rivers governor said he mobilised against former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 elections because he disagreed with his leadership style.
Jonathan, who hails from Bayelsa state, was seeking re-election as Nigeria’s president for the second term.
However, he lost to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike said Amaechi’s past comment about Jonathan could make it difficult for anyone trying to market him politically in the south-south.
“He came out on national television and said he was one of those who kicked out President Jonathan,” Wike said.
“He said he did not want a south-south person to complete his tenure as president. That was his statement. Now, how do you return to the same south-south people and expect them to celebrate you?”
‘WHAT ARE HIS RECORDS?’
Wike said political relevance should be measured by achievements rather than titles, questioning Amaechi’s contributions to Rivers during his tenure as minister of transportation.
“It is not enough to say, ‘I am vice-presidential candidate,’” Wike stated.
“The question is simple: what is the record? What is the report card? As a minister, what did you bring to Rivers state? What projects did you attract? What opportunities did you create? Rivers people deserve answers.”
The FCT minister contrasted Amaechi’s record with what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s support for Rivers state, citing appointments and the federal recognition of the state’s indigenes.
“Look at the appointments. It has never happened in the history of Rivers state,” Wike said.
“Beyond that, look at the number of Rivers people occupying strategic positions in federal agencies today.
“You can count more than eight people serving as directors-general and executive directors. I am not even talking about board memberships.”
Wike described his appointment as FCT Minister as a landmark decision by Tinubu, saying it elevated Rivers state’s profile nationally.
“It took courage for President Tinubu to give Rivers State the position of FCT Minister,” Wike said.
“That appointment is like giving Rivers State another governor.”
Wike also pointed to federal infrastructure projects, particularly the Bodo-Bonny Road, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the state.
The minister argued that Rivers’ people would be making a mistake to abandon what he described as visible progress.
“Any south-south person who genuinely loves the region and wants development cannot leave light and choose darkness,” Wike said. “Nobody abandons something that is working.”
‘JONATHAN’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL BID MERE SPECULATION’
Wike also dismissed speculation about Jonathan’s 2027 presidential bid on platform of the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I have never heard President Jonathan say he is running for election,” he said.
“INEC will determine who the candidates are. Until then, all these speculations remain just that—speculations.”
He, however, maintained that despite their political differences, his relationship with the former president remains cordial.
“I still have a good relationship with former President Jonathan,” he said.
“We may not belong to the same political camp, but that does not mean there is any problem between us. Politics and personal relationships are different things.”
