Key Facts
- Claim
- Wike describes Amaechi as a 'political liability' with no electoral value in Rivers State and South-South.
- Context
- Wike spoke at his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
- 2027 Election
- Wike questioned if Atiku would consider Amaechi as running mate for 2027 presidential election.
- Campaign Roles
- Amaechi was DG of Buhari campaigns in 2015 and 2019, and supported Atiku in 2023.
- APC Primaries
- Wike accused Amaechi of inconsistency, saying he called primaries corrupt but later benefited.
- Infrastructure
- Wike cited Bonny Road project as evidence of federal attention to Rivers State.
Background
Nyesom Wike, Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has described former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as a 'political liability' with no electoral value in Rivers State and the wider South-South region. Wike made the remarks during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wike questioned whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would consider Amaechi as a potential running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He suggested that any decision to select Amaechi as a vice-presidential candidate would be based on factors other than his ability to deliver votes.
Current Situation
Wike argued that Amaechi's political influence has declined, citing previous election outcomes in which he claimed the former Rivers State governor failed to secure significant support for the presidential candidates he backed. He recalled Amaechi's roles as Director-General of the Muhammadu Buhari campaign in 2015 and 2019, as well as his support for Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, questioning why those efforts did not translate into stronger electoral performances in Rivers State.
Wike also accused Amaechi of inconsistency over his position on the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections. He alleged that Amaechi had previously described the party's primaries as irregular and corrupt, but later benefited from the same political process. 'The same man now is benefiting from the corruption, from irregularities of the same system,' Wike said.
| Year | Candidate Supported | Role | Outcome in Rivers (per Wike) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Muhammadu Buhari | Director-General | Failed to secure significant support |
| 2019 | Muhammadu Buhari | Director-General | Failed to secure significant support |
| 2023 | Atiku Abubakar | Supporter | Failed to secure significant support |
Impacts
The remarks could affect political alignments in Rivers State and the South-South region, potentially influencing voter perceptions ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike's comments may also strain relations within the APC and between political figures who might consider Amaechi for a national ticket.
Wike highlighted infrastructure projects in Rivers State, including the Bonny Road project, as evidence of what he described as increased federal attention to the state under the current political dispensation. He claimed Rivers State has received unprecedented federal support compared to previous administrations, despite claims by some political actors of having strong connections with past governments.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Atiku Abubakar considers Amaechi as a running mate, Wike's criticism could influence public debate and internal party discussions. However, the decision may depend on factors beyond electoral value, such as financial considerations or regional balancing.
Amaechi's political future may hinge on his ability to demonstrate grassroots support and tangible achievements. If he fails to counter Wike's narrative, his influence in Rivers State could further diminish, potentially affecting his role in future election campaigns.
The ongoing feud between Wike and Amaechi could shape political dynamics in the South-South, with possible implications for APC's strategy in the region. Yet, the actual impact remains uncertain and will depend on how voters respond to the competing claims.
Source: allafrica.com
