Wike: Amaechi Can’t Deliver Rivers to ADC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the political strength of former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, insisting he cannot deliver Rivers State to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Wike pointed to past electoral outcomes to argue that Amaechi’s influence has not translated into victories in Rivers State. He recalled that during the 2015 and 2019 elections, despite Amaechi serving as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s campaigns under the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party failed to secure significant support in the state.

“Are we saying today… that Rotimi Amaechi will deliver Rivers state to ADC?” Wike asked. He added, “Of all the federal might that came, I won… Buhari never got 25 percent… How do you now say that he will win?”

Wike maintained that election results are determined by the people, not by political heavyweights or endorsements. He urged opposition parties to focus on building strong grassroots structures instead of relying on individual influence. “So many parties have been registered… You should encourage them to do what the opposition is supposed to do,” he said.

He also expressed openness to competitive elections, while criticising the tendency of some politicians to blame losses on rigging. In addition, Wike questioned the broader strength of the ADC, asking whether its chairman, David Mark, could deliver his home state of Benue in the 2027 polls.