Amaechi being Atiku's running mate is not an advantage — Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has expressed criticism over Rotimi Amaechi's emergence as the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election, stating that it does not offer an electoral advantage.

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Wike noted that Amaechi, a former two-term Rivers State governor and minister under Muhammadu Buhari, failed to significantly influence electoral outcomes in the state, which raises questions about his ability to make a positive impact as a vice-presidential candidate.

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During a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike argued that Amaechi's political record does not make him a strong asset to the opposition coalition, citing his inability to deliver for Buhari in the state.

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Amaechi was recently named the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, following his defeat to Atiku in the party's presidential primary.

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Wike pointed out that Amaechi's past performance as a minister and governor did not yield significant electoral benefits for Buhari, saying "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".

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The FCT minister also referenced Amaechi's previous comments about his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election, suggesting that such remarks could affect his acceptance among Rivers voters, as he "publicly said he was among those who removed Jonathan".

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Wike stated that given Amaechi's history, "it will be difficult to sell his candidature to Rivers people", and that the current administration has provided greater opportunities for appointments and manpower development in the Niger Delta.

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He emphasized that "any Rivers person who genuinely loves the state and wants its development cannot choose what is inferior over what is better", and urged people to put the interest of Rivers State first.

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Wike further criticized Amaechi for his recent engagement with the Ogoni ethnic nationality, accusing him of political inconsistency, and questioned why he would "deceive the public" by reaching out to them now when he denied an Ogoni man the opportunity to become governor while in power.

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Regarding reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan's name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, Wike clarified that neither he nor the mainstream PDP leadership was involved, saying "I have never heard former President Jonathan say he wants to run for president".

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Wike reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, stating "we are with the President and happy where we are, nobody leaves something good for something worse, Tinubu will win, and I will support Tinubu".

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While acknowledging that the PDP would field a presidential candidate, Wike noted that the party must first resolve its internal crisis if it hoped to regain political relevance, saying "as a party, we must present a candidate, but presenting a candidate does not automatically mean victory".

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He added that the PDP has gone through a crisis and needs time to rebuild, and emphasized that power should remain in the South after the expiration of Tinubu's tenure, saying "it is the turn of the South".