Wike Blasts Atiku-Amaechi Ticket, Says 2027 Bid Is "Dead on Arrival"


 

By Ajimati Samuel 


 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the presidential ambition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is "dead on arrival," arguing that the selection of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate weakens the party's chances ahead of the 2027 general election.


Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, where he questioned Amaechi's political influence and electoral value, particularly in Rivers State and the South-South region.


According to the FCT minister, while Amaechi may have been chosen for reasons best known to the ADC leadership, he does not possess the electoral strength needed to deliver votes to Atiku.


"If it's in terms of bringing votes to support Atiku, he is dead on arrival," Wike told journalists during the briefing.


The former Rivers State governor argued that Amaechi's electoral record does not justify confidence in his ability to mobilise support for a presidential candidate.


Citing previous elections, Wike recalled that Amaechi served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari's presidential campaigns in 2015 and 2019, yet Buhari failed to secure at least 25 percent of the votes in Rivers State during both elections.


He also referenced the 2023 presidential election, stating that despite Amaechi's support for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate failed to secure up to 15 percent of the votes in Rivers State.


Questioning Amaechi's political relevance in the South-South, Wike asked, "Where is he an asset to Rivers State and the South-South?" He further suggested that occupying high political offices does not automatically translate into widespread electoral influence.


The minister's comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major parties and opposition figures intensifying consultations and coalition-building efforts.


Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Rotimi Amaechi had publicly responded to Wike's remarks as of the time of filing this report.

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