Wike Says Amaechi’s Inclusion Weakens Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Bid

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Wike argued that Amaechi’s inclusion had further weakened the ticket, which he described as lacking credibility ahead of the 2027 general election.

He spoke on Thursday at a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he questioned the records of both politicians while they held public office.

“As bad as the Atiku ticket is, putting Rotimi Amaechi as vice-president makes it even worse. It is important to show your report card,” Wike said.

The FCT minister challenged Atiku to account for his eight years as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

He noted that Atiku played a significant role in the administration, particularly in the Federal Government’s privatisation programme.

“Atiku was vice-president from 1999 to 2007. How many years? He was not just a vice-president, but a very powerful one. He was in charge of privatisation and everything related to government-owned companies and industries,” Wike said.

He questioned the impact of Atiku’s tenure, asking Nigerians to identify the achievements associated with his role in government.

“Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No,” he added.

Wike also referred to Obasanjo’s past criticism of Atiku, including the former president’s reported expression of regret over supporting his emergence as vice-president.

Turning to Amaechi, Wike questioned projects and financial transactions associated with his eight-year tenure as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.

He demanded explanations over an alleged $10 million expenditure on a mosquito-control programme, $39 million reportedly earmarked for a specialist hospital and N68 billion spent on a monorail project.

The minister also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine in December 2014, which he put at $308 million.

“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” he asked.

Wike urged Nigerians to scrutinise the records of politicians seeking public office ahead of the 2027 elections.

The allegations against Atiku and Amaechi were made by Wike during the political gathering. Amaechi’s response was not included in the report.