The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential ambition as “dead on arrival”. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Wike stated that Nigerians won’t give Amaechi a chance in the 2027 election, doubting his ability to secure the ADC ticket.

Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, criticized Amaechi’s track record, citing concerns about his ability to fight corruption and promote good governance. He also referenced Amaechi’s past governorship, suggesting a lack of respect for the judiciary and rule of law.

The comments highlight the strained relationship between Wike and Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before handing over to Wike.

He said, “He (Amaechi) knows he won’t get the ticket. I read that he said he knows the weaknesses of the president, so he knows how to defeat him, but he also knew the weaknesses of the president in 2022 when the president defeated him mercilessly in the primary.

“Nigerians know the last person they will give a ticket to because they know it (Amaechi’s bid) is dead on arrival.”