2027: Amaechi Will Call for Election Boycott Before 11am – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, may call on his supporters to boycott the 2027 presidential election before voting closes on election day.

Wike made the claim on Saturday during a reception organised in his honour in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, saying Amaechi could resort to a boycott if he realised that he could not defeat the political coalition backing Wike in the state.

Wike said he expected Amaechi to make such a move before 11am on election day because, in his view, the former Rivers governor would be unable to secure enough support to win the state.

The FCT minister also questioned Amaechi’s expected level of support in his home community, Ubima, saying even victory at his own polling unit would be difficult. Wike’s comments came amid the growing political rivalry between the two former Rivers political allies as the 2027 general election approaches.

The minister further accused Amaechi of previously relying heavily on security personnel during political activities in Rivers State. According to Wike, the former governor and transportation minister had moved around the state with large numbers of soldiers and police officers, which he described as an attempt to intimidate residents.

Wike said the situation would be different during the 2027 election because the contest would depend on voters rather than security personnel. He argued that political support from residents would determine the outcome at polling units across the state.

The disagreement between Wike and Amaechi is part of a wider political contest taking shape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Amaechi is the running mate to the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, while Wike remains a strong political figure in Rivers despite serving in the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

Wike has repeatedly criticised the ADC ticket and its chances in Rivers State. He has also declared his opposition to Atiku’s presidential ambition and said he would work to prevent the former vice president from winning the 2027 election.

Amaechi, meanwhile, has continued to campaign against the Tinubu administration and has urged Nigerians to reject the President at the polls. His political activities in Rivers have also increased tensions between his supporters and those loyal to Wike.

With the 2027 election drawing closer, Rivers State is expected to remain a major battleground as rival political camps seek to control the state’s votes. The latest exchange between Wike and Amaechi further reflects the deep political divisions surrounding the election and the struggle for influence in the state.