By Seun Ibiyemi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as a “joint ticket of corruption.”
Wike made the remarks on Monday during town hall interactive meetings with the Rumueme and Apara Kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The FCT Minister, a former governor of Rivers State, dismissed the opposition coalition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that it would struggle to secure the mandatory 25 per cent constitutional requirement in key states, including Rivers.
Wike particularly questioned Atiku’s anti-corruption credentials, recalling criticisms made against the former vice president by his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He said it was contradictory for Atiku to accuse members of the ruling party of corruption while seeking the support of Nigerians.
“When I saw Atiku on television yesterday, asking Nigerians to take any money given to them by people from the party in power, that it will be stolen money, I said haa, Atiku is now an apostle of anti-corruption?
“The same Atiku that his boss described as corrupt and that one of his major regrets was making him his Vice President is talking,” Wike said.
He also criticised the inclusion of Amaechi in the ADC presidential arrangement, alleging that the former Rivers governor’s political record did not support the opposition coalition’s claims of accountability.
Wike said his major political focus was securing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the President’s return to office would be easier than his 2023 election.
“Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the president’s reelection. When I am eating, I think about the president’s reelection. Everything I am doing now is about the president’s reelection,” he said.
The FCT Minister urged Rivers residents to support Tinubu, arguing that the President had brought development to the state and recognised its people through federal appointments.
“Let us forget sentiment and vote the person that has recognized the people of Rivers State with dividends of democracy and with several appointments.
“I know the reelection of Tinubu in 2027 will be easier that that of 2023. We should appreciate Tinubu and ensure massive votes for him. We can do it,” Wike said.
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He also appealed to political stakeholders and community leaders in the state to avoid internal conflicts and actions capable of destabilising the grassroots.
Wike said political leaders should maintain strong connections with the people while allowing political developments to unfold, adding, “What will be, will be. You don’t need to kill yourself… Anything that God said would be, it would be.”
The minister further dismissed former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, alongside other opposition figures, describing them as “unelectable” politicians.
Wike’s comments come amid intensified political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians and parties exploring alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
