By Daniel Abia
In view of the recent outburst, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stop what it describes as unprovoked verbal attacks on the vice-presidential candidate of the party, Rotimi Amaechi.
ADC said Wike’s remarks on various occasions simply show that he is afraid of growing opposition against the administration he is working for rather than political strength.
The party also dismissed the FCT minister’s recent statement suggesting that the 2027 election in Rivers State is settled and that any party he supports will be victorious at the poll.
It will be recalled that Wike, in his monthly media chat held in Abuja on Tuesday, said Amaechi no longer has the political clout to win elections in Rivers State.
But the ADC argued that every election comes with its own challenges, pointing out that the electorate have become more aware, saying 2027 will be no different.
The Rivers State ADC Publicity Secretary, Chizi Enyi, said this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Enyi said Wike is struggling in vain to undermine Amaechi’s political relevance not only in the state but in Nigeria at large.
He wondered why the FCT minister, who claims that the opposition poses no threat, is busy expending time and resources attacking the people he alleged have no political value.
The state ADC spokesman further said Wike’s repeated references to previous elections tend to forget that elections are determined by citizens under prevailing political circumstances, and that every election is unique.
“The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has been drawn to the latest media outburst by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in which he launched yet another barrage of attacks against the Leader of our Party, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while desperately attempting to convince Rivers people that the 2027 election is already settled.
“Ordinarily, we would not dignify such comments with a response. However, it is necessary to set the record straight.
“It is ironic that a man who has repeatedly claimed that the opposition poses no threat has continued to devote so much time and energy attacking the very people he says have no electoral value.
“Such contradictions betray anxiety rather than confidence.
“Chief Wike’s attempt to rewrite political history will not erase the undeniable fact that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi remains one of the most consequential political leaders to emerge from Rivers State.
“His (Amaechi’s) record in governance, public service, and national leadership speaks for itself and does not require validation from those who measure politics solely by personal loyalty and political convenience.
“The minister’s repeated references to previous elections conveniently ignore the reality that elections are determined by the Nigerian people under prevailing political circumstances. Every election is unique, and 2027 will be no exception.”
The statement continued, “More importantly, Rivers people are not interested in endless political quarrels or personality clashes.
“They are concerned about the economy, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, the welfare of ordinary citizens, and the growing hardship across the country. These are the issues that deserve the attention of public office holders.
“It is also curious that the minister now seeks to present himself as the sole custodian of Rivers State’s political destiny. Rivers State belongs to its people, not to any individual. No one possesses the exclusive right to determine how Rivers people will vote.
“The ADC remains focused on offering credible leadership, responsible governance, and practical solutions to the challenges confronting our state and nation.”
The party, Enyi said, will continue to engage Rivers people with its vision and programmes rather than descend into unnecessary exchanges of insults.
“As for the boast that only one political party can win Rivers State, democracy is decided by the electorate, not by media declarations. The people will have the final say in 2027.
“We therefore advise Chief Wike to concentrate on the enormous responsibilities of administering the Federal Capital Territory and allow Rivers people the freedom to make their democratic choices without intimidation, propaganda, or political grandstanding.
“The ADC remains confident that truth, performance, and the will of the people will ultimately prevail,” the state ADC image maker added.
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