Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed a potential vice-presidential run by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying it holds no electoral value for the people of Rivers State. Wike made the remarks while commenting on possible opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, according to THISDAYLIVE.
Wike argued that Amaechi's political influence in Rivers has faded to the point where any ticket featuring him would be useless to the state's interests. The minister also blamed Amaechi for the political downfall of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a claim reported by Vanguard News. Wike said Amaechi was responsible for Jonathan's ouster from office.
The comments have drawn a response from Amaechi, who said he does not respond to subordinates, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria. The exchange marks another chapter in the long-running political feud between the two men, who once worked together in Rivers State government before falling out.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also pushed back against Wike's assessment, according to Punch Newspapers. The party defended Amaechi's relevance in Rivers politics and rejected the minister's claim that the former governor has lost his political weight.
In separate remarks reported by The Nation, Wike also wrote off potential opposition tickets pairing Atiku Abubakar with Amaechi, or Peter Obi with Rabiu Kwankwaso. He dismissed those combinations as incapable of making a meaningful impact in the next presidential race.
Wike's broadside comes as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 election cycle. His position as a key figure in the ruling party gives his statements weight, even as opposition parties scramble to build coalitions.
What to watch next: whether Amaechi or his allies offer a more detailed rebuttal to Wike's claims, and how opposition parties respond to the minister's dismissal of their planned tickets.
