The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed 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 offering no electoral advantage to the opposition.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 2, 2026.
Amaechi was recently named the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, after losing to him in the party’s presidential primary.
The FCT minister argued that Amaechi’s political record did not make him a strong asset to the opposition coalition, recalling that despite serving as a two-term governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, he was unable to significantly influence the APC’s electoral performance in the state.
“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 also referred to Amaechi’s previous comments about his role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential 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 further compared the current administration with previous governments, arguing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had provided greater opportunities for political 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.
The minister also accused Amaechi 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?” Wike said.
Commenting 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 in the move.
“I have never heard former President Jonathan say he wants to run for president,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general 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 said.
While acknowledging that the PDP would field a presidential candidate, Wike said the party must first resolve its internal crisis before it could become electorally competitive again.
“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 the expiration of Tinubu’s tenure.
“It is the turn of the South,” Wike said.
