Abayomi Susan
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, questioning his electoral strength and ability to attract votes in Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Wike argued that Amaechi’s emergence as the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate may have been influenced more by financial considerations than his ability to deliver votes.
“I am sure the only factor that has been used to choose Rotimi Amaechi may be financial because the former governor lacks the capacity to deliver votes,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also challenged Amaechi’s electoral record, noting that he had failed to secure significant presidential votes in Rivers State during previous election cycles despite serving in prominent political positions.
Wike recalled that Amaechi served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in 2015 and 2019, but questioned why the APC failed to secure the required 25 per cent of votes in Rivers State during those elections.
“He has never won a presidential election after 2011 when I was the Director of Campaign. Never!” Wike said.
He also referenced Amaechi’s support for Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, questioning the level of support the former governor was able to mobilise in Rivers State.
Wike further criticised Amaechi’s role in the opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for a second term in 2015, arguing that this could affect his acceptance in the South-South region.
“A South-South person wanted to go for a second term. You were proud you kicked him out. Now, will South-South be happy for you to be Vice President? You think that people have forgotten?” Wike asked.
