The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has predicted that voters in Rivers State will reject the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections. Wike made this prediction at President Bola Tinubu's presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, where he reaffirmed Rivers State's support for the president's re-election bid. Wike's comments were in response to remarks attributed to ADC's vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi.
According to Wike, Amaechi had boasted that he was popular enough not to campaign in Rivers State. The FCT minister challenged Amaechi to test his popularity at the polls, warning that he should not later blame electoral malpractice for any poor performance. Wike alleged that Amaechi's decision not to campaign would affect his electoral chances. He emphasized that Amaechi's claim of not needing to campaign would be put to the test in the 2027 elections.
Wike recalled Amaechi's previous comments on political brotherhood, where the former Rivers governor described a brother as someone who identifies with others during difficult times. The FCT minister argued that President Tinubu had demonstrated such solidarity with Rivers State through federal projects and political appointments. He described Tinubu as a political brother of the state, implying that Amaechi had failed to show similar support.
The minister also challenged Amaechi to account for projects undertaken during his tenure as Rivers governor. Specifically, he mentioned the proposed Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital, for which $39 million was allegedly spent. Wike questioned the project's implementation and challenged Amaechi to explain what happened to the funds. This criticism adds to the ongoing political tensions between Wike and Amaechi.
Furthermore, Wike criticised Amaechi's claim that Rivers State was fumigated during his administration. He questioned whether the exercise had succeeded in eliminating mosquitoes, implying that the former governor's achievements were not tangible. The FCT minister also recalled Amaechi's role as Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign during the 2015 and 2019 elections.
During his tenure as APC campaign chief, Wike alleged that the party failed to secure up to 15 per cent of the votes in Rivers State during both contests. This criticism comes amid political realignments and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political parties are seeking to consolidate support across the country, and Wike's remarks are seen as a significant blow to Amaechi's ADC.
Wike's prediction that voters in Rivers State will reject Amaechi's ADC in the 2027 elections is a significant development in the country's politics. The FCT minister's comments have highlighted the ongoing tensions between him and Amaechi, with implications for the ADC's chances in the upcoming elections. As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, Wike's remarks are likely to have a lasting impact on the political landscape.
Key points
- Wike predicts voters in Rivers State will reject ADC in 2027 elections over Amaechi's remarks.
