Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that former Rivers State governor and ex-Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, may ask his supporters to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election if he realises early on election day that victory is unlikely.
Wike made the statement while discussing Amaechi’s political influence and the chances of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections.
“On election day, before 11am, Amaechi will tell his people to boycott the election because he knows there’s no way he’ll defeat us,” Wike said.
The FCT minister’s remarks represent another escalation in the long-running political rivalry between him and Amaechi, who served as Rivers governor before their relationship deteriorated into one of Nigeria’s most prominent political battles.
Wike has repeatedly questioned Amaechi’s ability to deliver Rivers State for the ADC. He previously argued that Amaechi could not guarantee the opposition party victory in the state, citing the former governor’s experience in previous elections. Wike recalled that despite Amaechi serving as director-general of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in 2015 and 2019, Buhari failed to secure 25 per cent of the vote in Rivers during those elections.
The latest comments are significant as the ADC seeks to build a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. The party has attracted several prominent politicians, including Amaechi and former Senate President David Mark, as opposition groups position themselves against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
However, Wike’s prediction about Amaechi abandoning the election remains a political claim and has not been established as a statement of Amaechi’s intention.
Amaechi and Wike were once close political allies in Rivers State. Amaechi succeeded Wike as governor in 2015, but their relationship later deteriorated amid political disagreements and competing interests.
With the 2027 election approaching, the renewed exchange underscores the intensity of the political contest, particularly in Rivers, where both men have significant political histories.
