Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the political influence of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, claiming the former Rivers State governor no longer commands significant electoral support in either Rivers State or the South-South region.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike argued that Amaechi has repeatedly failed to demonstrate the political strength needed to influence national election outcomes despite occupying key leadership positions in several presidential campaigns.
According to Wike, if Amaechi is being considered for the position of vice-presidential candidate, it is unlikely to be because of his ability to attract votes.
He maintained that Amaechi has not proven capable of delivering electoral victories, citing previous presidential elections in which the former governor played prominent campaign roles.
The FCT minister pointed to the 2015 and 2019 general elections, when Amaechi served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaigns, as well as the 2023 election in which he backed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Wike argued that the election results in Rivers State did not reflect the level of political influence often attributed to Amaechi.
Challenges Record in Federal Government
Wike also questioned Amaechi’s contributions to Rivers State and the South-South during his years in the Federal Government, asking critics to identify major developmental gains recorded under his leadership.
He further accused the former transportation minister of political inconsistency, alleging that Amaechi criticised the credibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process before later accepting its outcome when it favoured him.
According to Wike, it is contradictory to condemn an electoral process as flawed while later participating in and benefiting from the same system.
2015 Election Still a Political Issue
The FCT minister also revisited Amaechi’s role in the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 presidential election, suggesting that many people in the South-South still remember the political events surrounding Jonathan’s unsuccessful re-election bid.
He argued that the region may find it difficult to support Amaechi for a future national ticket given his position during that period.
Wike Highlights Federal Projects in Rivers
Wike concluded by highlighting what he described as increased federal attention to Rivers State under the current administration.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Bonny Road project, saying the state is receiving more support from the Federal Government than at any time since the return of democracy in 1999.
