2027: Amaechi’s Bid Already Failed – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the possibility of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, securing his party’s presidential ticket in 2027, describing the ambition as “dead on arrival.”

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday night, August 19, monitored in Abuja, Wike asserted that Amaechi would be the last person the party would consider for the ticket. He pointed to Amaechi’s consistent electoral defeats as evidence of his lack of political viability.

“In 2014 and 2015, when he was governor, we defeated him. In 2019, when he was a minister and Director-General of Buhari’s campaign, we still defeated him. Even in 2023, when he backed another candidate, he lost again. So how does he now claim he can win?” Wike questioned.

He also mocked Amaechi’s recent claim of knowing President Bola Tinubu’s weaknesses and being able to defeat him, saying the former Rivers State governor had been “mercilessly” beaten in past contests.

Wike further claimed that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, is bitter with President Tinubu for not being selected as his running mate. According to Wike, Lawal, alongside a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, visited him in Port Harcourt shortly after Tinubu announced his vice-presidential pick.

“What is his grievance? He expected to be chosen as vice president. That’s the reason for his anger — it’s obvious. But must everyone have direct access to the President? That’s not how government works. There are ministers and advisers who represent him,” Wike said.

In addition, Wike advised former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, to focus on addressing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigation rather than politicizing his recent invitation by the anti-graft agency.