Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the nomination of Chibuike Amaechi as the African Democratic Congress vice presidential candidate, describing him as having no political weight in Rivers State or the broader South-South.
Wike said the choice of the former Minister of Transportation could only be driven by money, not by any real capacity to deliver votes.
“I believe the only reason Rotimi Amaechi was picked is money, because as a former governor he does not have the ability to deliver votes,” Wike stated.
The FCT Minister then pointed to Amaechi’s past election performances to back his claim. He said despite holding key roles over the years, Amaechi had consistently failed to secure meaningful support in Rivers.
“Since 2011 when I served as Campaign Director, he has not won a presidential election. He was Buhari’s DG in 2015 while he was governor. Why couldn’t he secure 25%? He was DG again in 2019 as a Super Minister. Why didn’t he get 25%?
He backed Atiku in 2023. How did he fail to get even 15%?” Wike asked.
Wike also said Amaechi’s role in opposing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 would count against him in the South-South.
“A son of the South-South wanted a second term and you boasted that you pushed him out. Do you now expect the South-South to support you as Vice President? Do you think people have forgotten?” he asked.