The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of presenting a joint presidential ticket of politicians with corruption allegations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike made the allegation on Monday during town hall meetings with leaders and stakeholders from the Rumueme and Apara Kingdoms in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The minister, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, specifically criticised the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC presidential candidate and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
He questioned the electoral strength of the ticket, particularly in Rivers State, and said it would struggle to secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in the state.
Wike also referred to past criticisms of Atiku 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 given 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 is making him (Atiku) his vice president is talking,” Wike said.
The minister also criticised Amaechi’s involvement in the ADC ticket, questioning his political influence and electoral record in Rivers State and the South-South.
Wike said his major political priority remained supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
“Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the President’s re-election. When I am eating, I think about the President’s re-election. Everything I am doing now is about the President’s re-election,” he said.
He urged Rivers residents to support Tinubu, arguing that the President had recognised the state’s contribution to the country and had provided opportunities for its people through appointments and development projects.
“Let us forget sentiment and vote the person that has recognised the people of Rivers State with dividends of democracy and with several appointments.
“I know the re-election of Tinubu in 2027 will be easier than that of 2023. We should appreciate Tinubu and ensure massive votes for him. We can do it,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also called for unity among stakeholders in the state, cautioning against internal disagreements and communal conflicts that could undermine development at the grassroots.
“What will be, will be. You don’t need to kill yourself. Anything that God said would be, it would be,” he said.
Wike further criticised other opposition politicians, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, whom he described as “unelectable”, while questioning the electoral prospects of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
