Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has labeled former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi a political liability who lacks electoral influence in Rivers State and the South-South region. During a recent media briefing in Abuja, Wike asserted that President Bola Tinubu is the only candidate capable of securing a victory in Rivers State for the 2027 elections, urging political analysts to stop including any other options in their predictions.
Wike questioned why Amaechi was selected as a vice-presidential candidate, suggesting that financial influence was the primary driver rather than his ability to garner votes. He highlighted Amaechi’s poor track record in previous elections, noting that he failed to reach the required 25% threshold in Rivers State during the 2015 and 2019 presidential cycles, as well as his inability to secure significant support for Atiku Abubakar in 2023.
Furthermore, Wike accused the former governor of political hypocrisy, referencing how Amaechi denounced the ADC primary as corrupt before later participating in it. He also reminded the public of Amaechi’s role in the 2015 ouster of former President Goodluck Jonathan, suggesting this historical action would lead the South-South to reject his current ambitions.
In contrast to his criticisms, Wike highlighted the current federal support for Rivers State, pointing to major infrastructure projects like the Bonny Road as proof of unprecedented cooperation. He announced that a coalition of political parties—including the PDP, APC, Labour Party, and AA—has united to prioritize the development of Rivers State and support Tinubu’s re-election efforts, focusing on governance rather than individual partisan gains.
