Wike Slams Amaechi's VP Bid, Says It Won't Benefit Rivers State

In a recent media chat in Abuja, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing attack on his predecessor, Chibuike Amaechi, who is the running mate to Atiku Abubakar on the platform of the African Democratic Congress. Wike claimed that Amaechi's candidacy as vice presidential candidate would not benefit the people of Rivers State, stating that the former governor lacks electoral value in the state and the wider South-south region. The FCT minister emphasized that the electorate in Rivers State would not be swayed by Amaechi's vice presidential ambition, citing the state's unprecedented federal attention under the current administration, including major infrastructure developments such as the Bonny Road project. Wike pointed out that Amaechi has failed to secure significant votes in Rivers State across multiple election cycles, despite holding high-profile positions. He questioned the rationale behind choosing Amaechi as a running mate, suggesting that financial considerations might have played a role. Wike criticized Amaechi's political inconsistency, noting that he had previously denounced the African Democratic Congress primaries as corrupt and irregular, only to later participate in and benefit from the same system. The minister justified the region's rejection of Amaechi's national ambitions, citing his past political decisions, including his opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan during his 2015 re-election bid. Wike stated that the electorate in the region would demand accountability for those actions. He also referenced the recent exchanges between the presidency and the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing Onaiyekan of partisanship in the 2023 general election. Wike conceded that constructive criticism was valid but stated that religious leaders undermined their credibility when their commentary was biased. In response, the ADC leadership in Rivers State accused Wike of displaying anxiety over the growing strength of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that his criticism of Amaechi stemmed from fear rather than confidence.