…Says he couldn’t deliver 25% for Buhari in Rivers
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, 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.
The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, 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”.
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. “Rotimi Amaechi is not a plus to Atiku Abubakar. 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% for Buhari in Rivers state.
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. According to him, 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’. 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”, Wike stated.
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.
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. That appointment is like giving Rivers State another governor”, he stated.
