The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the former Minister of Transportation and current African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as a political liability with no electoral value in Rivers State or the South-South region.
Wike openly questioned the rationale behind selecting Amaechi as a running mate, suggesting that the decision was likely driven by financial leverage rather than any genuine ability to mobilize voters.
“I am sure the only factor that has been used to choose Rotimi Amaechi may be financial, because the former governor lacks the capacity to deliver votes,” Wike asserted during a recent press engagement.
To back his claims, the FCT Minister reviewed Amaechi’s previous electoral track record, pointing out that the former governor has consistently failed to secure substantial votes in Rivers State across several election cycles, even while occupying influential national offices.
“He has never won a presidential election after 2011 when I was the Director of Campaign. Never! He was the Director-General for Buhari in 2015 when he was governor; why did he not get 25%? He was the DG in 2019 when he was a Super Minister; why did he not get 25%? He supported Atiku in 2023; how come he didn’t get 15%?” Wike questioned.
Furthermore, Wike stated that the South-South region would actively reject Amaechi’s current national ambitions because of his leading role in sabotaging former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015.
“A South-South person wanted to go for a second term. You were proud you kicked him out. Now, will the South-South be happy for you to be Vice President? You think that people have forgotten?” Wike asked.
The public feud highlights ongoing political realignments and unresolved regional grievances as political actors position themselves ahead of the upcoming general elections.
