Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the choice of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arguing that the former transport minister brings little electoral advantage to the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi was recently unveiled as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the ADC presidential ticket.
Speaking during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 1, Wike said Amaechi’s political record raises questions about his ability to attract votes, particularly in Rivers State.
According to the FCT minister, Amaechi could not deliver electoral victories for former President Muhammadu Buhari in Rivers despite serving as a two-term governor and later as one of Buhari’s most influential ministers.
“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 said.
Wike also recalled Amaechi’s public remarks about his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election, saying those comments could undermine his acceptance among Rivers voters.
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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 added.
The former Rivers governor argued that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu has offered greater opportunities to people from the Niger Delta than previous governments through appointments and manpower development.
He urged Rivers residents to support leaders and policies that would advance the state’s interests.
“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,” he said.
Wike also accused Amaechi of political inconsistency over his recent engagement with the Ogoni people.
According to him, Amaechi did not support the emergence of an Ogoni governor while he held power but is now courting the same community from the opposition.
“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 said.