Rivers State’s political landscape is set for another intense electoral battle, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asserting that former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi lacks the capacity to deliver the state to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Wike challenged the notion that Amaechi, despite his past influence and roles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could sway Rivers State’s electorate toward the ADC. He pointed to previous election cycles where, even with federal backing and Amaechi’s high-profile positions, the APC struggled to secure significant victories in the state.
Wike recalled the 2015 and 2019 elections, noting that despite Amaechi serving as Director-General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign and wielding what Wike termed “federal might,” he himself still won the governorship elections in Rivers State. “Are we saying today, if an election is conducted in Rivers state today, that Rotimi Amaechi will deliver Rivers state to ADC?” Wike asked. “Remember, he was a governor. When I came to run as governor, he was in the APC. Who defeated him? And he was the DG of the campaign then.”
He further questioned the ADC’s broader national prospects, highlighting that even the party’s national chairman, former Senate President David Mark, has been unable to deliver his home state of Benue to his own party. “Take, for example, Benue, where the former senate president, their so-called chairman of the party, his daughter won under APC, and he was in PDP,” Wike said.
The minister’s remarks underscore the enduring political dynamics in Rivers State, where he has maintained a strong grip on power despite challenges from national political figures. As the 2027 elections approach, Wike’s comments signal his confidence in retaining control of the state and his skepticism about the ADC’s ability to make significant inroads, even with high-profile figures like Amaechi at the forefront.
Political analysts note that Rivers State’s electorate has historically shown resilience against external political influence, a trend Wike is keen to emphasize as he positions himself for the upcoming electoral contest. The ADC, meanwhile, will need to demonstrate its capacity to build a credible campaign infrastructure and appeal to voters beyond its current leadership if it hopes to challenge the established political order in Rivers and other key states.
