Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that Amaechi’s emergence as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate adds no electoral value to the opposition.
Wike spoke during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday, where he dismissed suggestions that Amaechi’s nomination would boost the opposition’s chances at the polls.
Amaechi was recently unveiled as Atiku’s running mate after losing the ADC presidential ticket to the former vice president.
The FCT minister argued that Amaechi’s political record in Rivers State does not justify the excitement surrounding his nomination.
“Chibuike Amaechi running as vice-presidential candidate is not a plus. 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.
He further contended that Amaechi’s role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 could work against him in Rivers State.
“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 accused the former minister of political inconsistency over his recent engagement with the Ogoni people.
“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 queried.
The minister also dismissed reports alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) submitted the name of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
“I have never heard former President Jonathan say he wants to run for president,” Wike said.
Reaffirming his support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, Wike expressed confidence that the President would secure re-election.
“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,” he stated.
Although he maintained that the PDP would field a presidential candidate in 2027, Wike warned that the party must first overcome its lingering internal crisis.
“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 also maintained that the presidency should remain in the South after Tinubu completes his tenure, saying, “It is the turn of the South.”
