The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments against the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, urging him to stop what it described as unprovoked attacks.
The party also dismissed Wike’s claim that the 2027 Rivers State election is already decided, insisting that only the people of the state have the power to determine the outcome of any election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chizi Enyi, the ADC said Wike’s repeated attacks on Amaechi suggest he is worried about the growing strength of the opposition rather than being politically confident.
According to the party, it is contradictory for the FCT minister to repeatedly attack opposition figures he claims no longer pose a political threat.
“It is ironic that a man who has repeatedly claimed that the opposition poses no threat has continued to devote so much time and energy attacking the very people he says have no electoral value. Such contradictions betray anxiety rather than confidence,” the statement read.
The ADC defended Amaechi’s political relevance, describing him as one of Rivers State’s most influential political leaders whose achievements in governance and public service speak for themselves.
“Chief Wike’s attempt to rewrite political history will not erase the undeniable fact that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi remains one of the most consequential political leaders to emerge from Rivers State,” the party stated.
The party also rejected Wike’s confidence that any political party he supports would automatically win the 2027 elections, arguing that every election presents different realities and should never be taken for granted.
“The minister’s repeated references to previous elections conveniently ignore the reality that elections are determined by the Nigerian people under prevailing political circumstances. Every election is unique, and 2027 will be no exception,” the statement added.
The Rivers ADC further accused the FCT minister of focusing too much on political disputes instead of addressing issues affecting Nigerians.
According to the party, residents are more concerned about economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and the welfare of ordinary citizens than endless political exchanges.
The party also insisted that Rivers State belongs to its people and not to any individual, stressing that no politician has the exclusive power to determine how residents will vote.
“Rivers State belongs to its people, not to any individual. No one possesses the exclusive right to determine how Rivers people will vote,” the statement said.
The ADC said it remains committed to presenting credible leadership and practical solutions to the challenges facing Rivers State and Nigeria, rather than engaging in unnecessary political insults.
The party advised Wike to focus on his responsibilities as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and allow Rivers people to freely decide their political future without intimidation or propaganda.
“The people will have the final say in 2027,” the party concluded.
