Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the 2027 presidential ambition of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing it as “dead on arrival” and asserting that Amaechi would be the last person considered for the party’s ticket.
Wike also alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, is upset with President Bola Tinubu for not selecting him as vice president.
In an interview with Channels Television monitored in Abuja on Tuesday night, Wike claimed that Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, alongside a former Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after Tinubu announced his running mate.
On Amaechi’s presidential bid, Wike ridiculed the former Rivers governor’s assertion that he understands President Tinubu’s weaknesses and could defeat him. “The last person they will give a ticket to is Amaechi. That is dead on arrival. In 2014 and 2015, when he was governor, we defeated him. In 2019, when he was Minister and Director General of Buhari’s campaign, we also defeated him. Even in 2023, when he supported another candidate, he still lost. So how would he now claim the capacity to win?” Wike asked.
He insisted that Amaechi’s track record in past elections demonstrates that he lacks the political strength to mount a successful presidential campaign, even under a new party platform.
Wike also addressed the recent invitation of former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), advising him to clear his name through the anti-graft agency rather than politicize the matter.
Regarding Lawal, Wike said his grievance stems from his expectation to be chosen as Tinubu’s vice presidential candidate. “What was his anger? His anger was that he thought Mr President would have chosen him as the vice presidential candidate. Having not done that, heaven would have to let loose. He wanted to become vice president; that is very obvious,” Wike said.
He added, “Must everybody reach Mr President? Is that the way the government runs? There are ministers and advisers who represent him.”
