Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as a “joint ticket of corruption”, declaring that the duo would not secure the required 25 per cent of votes in Rivers State in the 2027 presidential election.
Wike spoke on Monday during town hall interactive meetings with the people of Rumueme and Apara Kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also canvassed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
The former Rivers governor questioned Atiku’s credibility to speak against corruption, citing comments reportedly made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as Atiku’s principal when he was Vice President.
“When I saw Atiku on television yesterday, asking Nigerians to take any money giving 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 (Atiku) his Vice President is talking,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister said the inclusion of Amaechi in the opposition alliance further strengthened his description of the ADC presidential ticket as a “joint ticket of corruption”, while dismissing the coalition’s chances of making significant electoral gains in Rivers State.
Wike urged Rivers residents to reject what he described as attempts to deceive the electorate and instead support Tinubu, whom he said had recognised the state through developmental projects and political appointments.
“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.
He added: “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 also urged his supporters and community stakeholders to avoid internal conflicts and remain focused despite the political battles expected ahead of the 2027 general election.
“What will be, will be. You don’t need to kill yourself… Anything that God said would be, it would be,” he said.
The minister further criticised Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing him and other opposition politicians as “unelectable”.
Wike’s remarks come amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties and political blocs intensifying efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
