Wike Dismisses Atiku–Amaechi Ticket, Says Presidency Will Slip Away

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed doubts about the electoral prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, saying it would be difficult for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to win the 2027 presidential election with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing on Tuesday, Wike argued that Amaechi would add little electoral value to Atiku’s campaign, insisting that the former Rivers State governor no longer commands the political influence needed to sway voters.

According to Wike, Atiku’s decision to pick Amaechi was driven more by financial considerations than political strategy, claiming the choice would not improve the ADC’s chances at the polls.

The FCT minister also maintained that Amaechi has not won any election since 2011, when he served as the Director-General of Wike’s governorship campaign in Rivers State.

Despite Amaechi’s experience as a former governor and cabinet minister, Wike contended that he lacks the grassroots support required to significantly influence the outcome of a presidential election.

He further criticised Amaechi for accepting the ADC vice-presidential nomination after previously dismissing the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku as its candidate, describing the process as corrupt.

Wike said, “Amaechi being the running mate to Atiku, I have come to know that it will indeed be difficult for Atiku to become president. I’m sure the only factor that made him choose Amaechi may be financial; if it is in terms of bringing votes to support him, it is dead on arrival.”