2027: Wike dismisses Amaechi’s relevance in Rivers, says ticket with Atiku dead on arrival
Wike Criticizes Amaechi’s Candidacy as Running Mate to Atiku
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has described the selection of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “dead on arrival.” Wike’s comments came during a media briefing on Tuesday.
Wike asserted that Amaechi lacks the political influence necessary to secure votes in Rivers State and throughout the South-South region. He pointed to Amaechi’s track record, claiming that the former governor has struggled to achieve significant electoral victories in recent years.
“Rotimi Amaechi being the running mate to Atiku Abubakar makes it clear that it would be difficult for Atiku to become president,” Wike stated. He suggested financial motives may have influenced Abubakar’s choice but emphasized that Amaechi’s candidacy would not contribute to electoral success.
Wike referenced past elections to strengthen his argument, noting that Amaechi, despite holding prominent political positions, has been unable to deliver electoral results. “He couldn’t secure a governor when I was minister of state; I defeated him decisively,” Wike remarked.
He further pointed out that Amaechi’s role as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s campaigns in 2015 and 2019 had not resulted in strong support for the president within Rivers State. “In both elections, Buhari did not secure 25 percent of the votes. In the recent 2023 election, Atiku did not even achieve 15 percent,” Wike explained.
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s legacy in public office, arguing that merely holding a title does not equate to political relevance. “What has he done for Rivers State and the South-South? Being a former governor does not guarantee being an asset; you must still have followers,” Wike stated.
He ended by challenging Amaechi’s contributions as a federal minister, asking, “What did your government accomplish that positively impacted the lives of Rivers people?”
