The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has responded to remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after the minister claimed he was chosen as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate because of money.
Amaechi reacted during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, dismissing Wike’s comments and saying he would not normally respond to someone he described as his subordinate.
The Amaechi Wike Atiku running mate remarks came hours after Wike, during a media briefing with selected journalists in Abuja, questioned Amaechi’s political relevance in Rivers State and alleged that his selection as the ADC vice-presidential candidate was financially motivated.
Responding to the claims, Amaechi said he had no reason to engage Wike publicly.
“I don’t respond to my subordinate. Wike never hired me. By the time I finish mourning and go into campaign, anybody that insults me, I will insult him back,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor, however, did not directly address Wike’s allegation that money influenced Atiku’s decision to choose him as running mate.
The Amaechi Wike Atiku running mate remarks come ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political exchanges between leading figures in the ruling and opposition parties continue to intensify.
Amaechi had contested the ADC presidential primary but lost the party’s ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Following the primary, Atiku selected Amaechi as his running mate, and the ADC formally unveiled the pair as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
BACKSTORY:
The political rivalry between Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike dates back to their time in Rivers State politics. Amaechi served as governor of the state from 2007 to 2015 before Wike succeeded him as governor. Since then, both politicians have frequently exchanged criticisms over political influence and leadership.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the rivalry has intensified after Amaechi joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and emerged as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has repeatedly criticised Amaechi’s political relevance. Amaechi’s latest response is the latest chapter in the long-running political feud between the two former Rivers governors as campaigns for the 2027 elections gather pace.
