Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike said on Saturday in Port Harcourt that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not give former Vice President Atiku Abubakar any extra strength in the 2027 presidential election as the African Democratic Congress’ vice-presidential candidate.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat with selected radio stations, where he also spoke about the Peoples Democratic Party, President Bola Tinubu, and the political situation ahead of the next general election.
Amaechi was recently picked as Atiku’s running mate after losing the ADC presidential ticket to the former vice president. Reacting to the development, Wike said Amaechi’s past political record in Rivers State does not show that he can improve the opposition’s chances at the polls.
According to the FCT minister, Amaechi served as Rivers State governor for two terms and later became Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Wike said that despite occupying those positions, Amaechi was unable to help Buhari record a strong electoral performance in Rivers State.
Wike also referred to Amaechi’s role during the 2015 presidential election, saying the former minister had openly spoken about taking part in the political movement that removed former President Goodluck Jonathan from office. He said that history could make it harder for Amaechi to gain the support of many voters in Rivers State because Jonathan is from the South-South region.
The minister said the current administration of President Tinubu has given the Niger Delta more opportunities through appointments and the development of local manpower. He added that people in Rivers State should support what they believe would bring greater benefits to the state rather than choosing an alternative they consider less beneficial.
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s recent political outreach to the Ogoni people. He said that while Amaechi was in government, he did not create an opportunity for an Ogoni person to become governor of Rivers State. He added that the recent engagement with the ethnic group came only after Amaechi moved into the opposition.
Speaking on reports that Jonathan’s name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by a faction of the PDP, Wike said he was not involved in the move and stated that the mainstream leadership of the party was also not part of it. He added that he had not heard Jonathan publicly declare any intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Wike restated his support for President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying he would continue to back the President in the next election. He also said the PDP would still present a presidential candidate, but added that the party must first settle its internal problems before it can become competitive again.
The minister also maintained that after Tinubu completes his tenure, power should remain in the southern part of the country.