Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described former Minister of Transportation and vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chibuike Amaechi, as a political liability with no electoral value in Rivers State or the wider South-South region.
Wike questioned the basis for the emergence of Amaechi as a vice presidential candidate, suggesting it could only be financial rather than a reflection of voting strength.
“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,” he said.
Citing Amaechi’s electoral record, Wike argued that he had failed to deliver significant votes in Rivers across successive election cycles despite holding high-profile positions.
“He has never won a presidential election after 2011 when I was the Director of Campaign. Never! He was the Director-General of Buhari in 2015 when he was governor; why did he not get 25%?
“He was the DG in 2019 when he was a Super Minister; why did he not get 25%? He supported Atiku in 2023; how come he didn’t get 15%?” he queried.
He further pointed to Amaechi’s opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election bid as reasons the South-South region would reject his national ambitions.
“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.