The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says the choice of Rotimi Amaechi, as vice presidential candidate will hinder Atiku Abubakar’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Wike said this in a live radio interview in Port Harcourt on Saturday, stressing that Amaechi does not have the political capital necessary to secure victory in Rivers State and the South‑South region in next year’s elections.
According to him, it would be difficult for Amaechi to sell Abubakar to voters in the state and region, especially given Amaechi’s role in events leading to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
“Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi running as vice‑presidential candidate is not a plus for Atiku Abubakar.
“First of all, he was governor; he couldn’t produce a successor. Remember, he was a Director-General; he couldn’t give Buhari 25%. Remember, he was a minister and became a Director-General; Mr President couldn’t get 25% in the 2019 election.
“So there are so many reasons why he cannot win Rivers for ADC. For example, before the birth of ADC, he came out on national television and said he was one of those who kicked out Jonathan.
“He didn’t want a South‑South person to complete his tenure as president. So what we will take is vice president,” Wike said.
2027: Why Amaechi’s choice as running mate will hinder Atiku’s chances – Wike