Amaechi running as Atiku’s VP not a plus — Wike
August 2, 2026 1:12 pm
File Photo: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the emergence of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election, describing it as not being an electoral advantage.
The FCT minister recalled that Amaechi, a two-term Rivers State governor and later a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, failed to significantly influence electoral outcomes for Buhari in the state.
He argued that the vice-presidential candidate’s political record did not make him a strong asset to the opposition coalition.
Wike stated this during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Amaechi was recently named the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
His emergence followed his defeat to Atiku in the party’s presidential primary.
“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,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also referred to Amaechi’s previous comments about his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election, saying such remarks could affect his acceptance among Rivers voters.
“He publicly said he was among those who removed Jonathan. He did not want a South-South president to complete his tenure. Given that history, it will be difficult to sell his candidature to Rivers people,” he added.
Wike also contrasted the current administration with previous governments, arguing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had provided greater opportunities for appointments and manpower development in the Niger Delta.
“Any Rivers person who genuinely loves the state and wants its development cannot choose what is inferior over what is better. People should always put the interest of Rivers State first,” he said.
Continuing his criticism of Amaechi, Wike accused the former Minister of Transportation of political inconsistency over his recent engagement with the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
“When he was in power, he denied an Ogoni man the opportunity to become governor. Now that he is in opposition, he is reaching out to them. Why deceive the public?” he said.
On 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 said neither he nor the mainstream PDP leadership was involved.
“I have never heard former President Jonathan say he wants to run for president,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“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,” Wike said.
While acknowledging that the PDP would field a presidential candidate, Wike said the party must first resolve its internal crisis if it hoped to regain political relevance.
“As a party, we must present a candidate, but presenting a candidate does not automatically mean victory. The PDP has gone through a crisis and needs time to rebuild,” he said.
He added that power should remain in the South after the expiration of Tinubu’s tenure.
“It is the turn of the South,” Wike said.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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