Amaechi replies to Wike after the FCT Minister questioned his political influence, as tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections
African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has responded to criticism from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, saying he does not engage with comments from people he considers his subordinates.
Also read: Amaechi Challenges Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election Battle
The Amaechi replies to Wike exchange followed remarks by Wike, who questioned Amaechi’s political relevance in Rivers State and claimed that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar selected him as a running mate because of financial considerations.
Amaechi reacted during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, where he dismissed Wike’s comments and said he would respond more directly once his campaign activities begin.
“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,” Amaechi said.
The comments came after Wike, during a media parley with selected journalists, argued that Amaechi lacked significant political influence in Rivers State.
The exchange adds to the growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as major political figures position themselves and their parties for the upcoming contest.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, was initially among the presidential aspirants who contested the ADC primary election before losing the party’s ticket to Atiku Abubakar.
Following the primary election, Atiku approached Amaechi, and the ADC later announced him as the former vice-president’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Both Amaechi and Wike have played influential roles in Nigerian politics, particularly within Rivers State, where their political relationship has evolved over the years from alliance to public disagreement.
Also read: Amaechi Challenges Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election Battle
The latest exchange reflects the intensifying political debates expected as parties prepare their strategies, campaigns and alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
