The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of launching repeated attacks on former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, out of growing anxiety over the strengthening opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party argued that Wike’s recent comments against Amaechi reveal political insecurity rather than confidence, insisting that no amount of criticism can diminish the former Rivers State governor’s political standing.
The ADC also dismissed the minister’s assertion that the outcome of the 2027 elections in Rivers State is already predictable and that any political party he endorses would secure victory without difficulty.
Wike had, during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed that Amaechi no longer commands the political influence required to win elections in Rivers State.
Reacting in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Chizi Enyi, maintained that every election presents a fresh political contest and that the electorate—not political office holders—ultimately determine the outcome.
According to the party, Wike’s continued attacks on Amaechi contradict his repeated claims that the opposition lacks political relevance.
The statement read: “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 opposition party said Rivers residents are more concerned about pressing socio-economic challenges than prolonged political confrontations among public office holders.
It argued that governance should be focused on addressing insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, economic hardship and the welfare of citizens rather than engaging in political grandstanding.
Continuing, the statement said: “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 further stated that it would continue engaging Rivers people through its programmes and policy proposals instead of exchanging insults with political opponents.
Reaffirming confidence in the democratic process, the ADC insisted that the electorate—not political declarations—would decide the outcome of the 2027 elections.
“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.
(Ripples)