The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has questioned the electoral value of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, saying the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would struggle to win the 2027 presidential election with him as running mate.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he argued that Amaechi lacks the political influence needed to significantly boost Atiku’s electoral prospects.
According to the minister, if Atiku expects Amaechi to attract votes, the opposition ticket faces an uphill battle.
“If Atiku is relying on Amaechi to bring votes, then he is dead on arrival. Looking at all the calculations that go into choosing a running mate, I believe the only reason he may have picked Amaechi is financial,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also revisited Amaechi’s role in previous presidential campaigns, claiming the former Minister of Transportation failed to deliver substantial electoral support despite serving as Director-General of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation.
“I was Minister of State while he was governor, and I defeated him. Since 2011, when I was Director-General of the campaign, he has not won an election.
“He was Buhari’s Director-General in 2015, and Buhari did not get 25 per cent in Rivers. He was also Director-General in 2019 while serving as a minister, and Buhari still did not secure 25 per cent,” he said.
Wike further dismissed suggestions that Amaechi remains a political asset in Rivers State and the South-South region.
He argued that former governors seeking national relevance should be able to point to enduring political support and tangible developmental achievements in their states.
“Is he an asset to Rivers State and the South-South? If you are a former governor, you should still have followers. As a minister, what did you bring to Rivers people? What impact did your government make on the lives of the people?
“In the South-South, which state will he influence? Just a month ago, this same man said the ADC primary was marred by irregularities and corruption. Today, he is benefiting from the same process he condemned,” Wike added.
