The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over remarks he described as inflammatory and capable of inciting the public.
Amaechi reportedly made the comments on Thursday during a town hall meeting organised by the party in Benin City, Edo State, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu and his supporters ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“It is only a mad man that can vote for Tinubu. If you are not a mad man, then Tinubu should not win here,” Amaechi was quoted as saying.
Reacting to the remarks on Friday, the FCT Minister expressed disappointment that INEC had yet to publicly address what he described as irresponsible political rhetoric.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with FCT area council chairmen and heads of security agencies in Abuja, the minister questioned the commission’s response to the comments.
“Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call the attention of Amaechi,” he said.
He stated that Nigerians had watched Amaechi make remarks suggesting that only thieves and people considered mad would vote for President Tinubu.
The FCT Minister condemned the statements, arguing that they were inappropriate for a politician seeking high public office.
“This is supposedly a vice-presidential candidate of a political party seeking to take over power and preside over the affairs of this country.
“Not just an ordinary politician, a vice-presidential candidate, telling voters and Nigerians that only thieves and mad people will vote for President Tinubu,” he said.
The minister warned that Amaechi could face political resistance if he continued making such remarks, particularly in Rivers State.
“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will make it difficult for him,” he said.
The FCT Minister maintained that political candidates should not insult voters and expect their comments to go without scrutiny.
He also expressed concern about what he described as a growing tendency among politicians to rely on personal attacks rather than discuss policies and programmes that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
He urged INEC to enforce electoral regulations and hold political parties and candidates accountable for campaign statements that breach the rules.
“One problem we have in this country is that agencies or commissions should be able to take their functions seriously,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigerians had called on INEC to sanction political parties and candidates who allegedly engaged in inflammatory rhetoric or campaigns that failed to address substantive issues.
He stressed that election campaigns should focus on what candidates intend to do for the electorate rather than personal insults and attacks.
“We have been told to go on campaigns based on issues. What are you going to do for the people not on attacking personalities or insulting individuals?” he said.
The FCT Minister also criticised media organisations for failing to challenge politicians when they resort to derogatory remarks instead of explaining their policies and proposed solutions to the country’s challenges.
