In a striking political assertion, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has labeled Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential ambitions for the 2027 election as “dead on arrival.” Wike’s comments come in the wake of Amaechi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he hopes to secure the party’s presidential ticket.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike expressed skepticism about Amaechi’s ability to garner support from the Nigerian electorate, citing his previous electoral defeats as indicators of his unlikelihood to succeed. “He knows he won’t get the ticket,” Wike remarked, recalling how Amaechi was soundly defeated in past primaries.
Wike’s critique extended beyond mere political rivalry; he questioned Amaechi’s record on governance and anti-corruption, claiming that his tenure as Governor of Rivers State demonstrated a disregard for the judiciary and the rule of law.
Shifting focus, Wike also defended President Bola Tinubu against accusations of leading an unapproachable administration. He argued that the government is designed for citizen engagement through various ministers and aides, rather than direct access to the President. “If everybody wants to see Mr. President, how many people can he attend to at a time?” Wike asked, encouraging the public to utilize the established channels for addressing their concerns.
In a related development, Wike addressed criticisms from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, suggesting that Lawal’s negative remarks about the Tinubu administration stem from personal grievances over not being selected as the vice-presidential candidate in the last election. Wike condemned Lawal’s public criticisms as disrespectful, suggesting that such issues should be resolved privately.
Finally, Wike dismissed the ADC as a viable political coalition, describing recent movements of politicians between parties as insignificant. He contrasted the current situation with the historic formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that without a record of tangible achievements, the ADC lacks credibility in the eyes of the Nigerian electorate.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike’s assertions highlight the intense rivalries and challenges within Nigeria’s political arena.
