Amaechi running as Atiku’s VP not a plus, Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticized the emergence of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 general election. Wike asserted that Amaechi's candidacy does not represent an electoral advantage for the opposition coalition.

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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.

Wike pointed to Amaechi's tenure as a two-term governor and a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, arguing that he failed to significantly influence electoral outcomes for the APC 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," Wike stated during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Furthermore, Wike referenced Amaechi's past public comments regarding his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election. Wike suggested that these remarks could negatively impact Amaechi's reception among voters in Rivers State, particularly given Jonathan's South-South origin. "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," he added.

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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 also contrasted the current administration under President Bola Tinubu with previous governments, claiming it offers greater opportunities for appointments and manpower development in the Niger Delta. He urged constituents to prioritize the interests of Rivers State, stating, "Any Rivers person who genuinely loves the state and wants its development cannot choose what is inferior over what is better."

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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.

Continuing his critique, Wike accused Amaechi of political inconsistency, particularly concerning his recent engagement with the Ogoni ethnic nationality. "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 questioned.

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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?