Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction Rotimi Amaechi over his controversial comments about President Bola Tinubu and his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike described Amaechi’s remarks as “irresponsible and inciting”, insisting that political candidates should not be allowed to insult voters without facing consequences.
The FCT minister spoke with journalists in Abuja on Friday after a meeting with FCT area council chairmen.
His reaction followed comments made by Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, during a town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday.
Speaking at the gathering, Amaechi suggested that only people he described as mad would vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“I read on social media that it is only in 2027 that we will know how many mad men we have in Nigeria. It is only a mad man that can vote for Tinubu,” Amaechi said.
He added that Tinubu should not win in the state if voters were not “mad”.
Wike Accuses INEC of Failing to Act
Reacting to the remarks, Wike expressed disappointment that INEC had yet to publicly call Amaechi to order over his comments.
The minister argued that describing supporters of a presidential candidate as mad people and thieves was unacceptable, particularly when the speaker was a senior political figure seeking public office.
“Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call the attention of Amaechi,” Wike said.
He maintained that Nigerians had watched Amaechi make the comments on television and questioned why the electoral commission had not responded.
According to Wike, Amaechi had not only described Tinubu’s potential supporters as mad people but had also suggested that those who voted for the president were thieves.
“This is supposedly a vice-presidential candidate of a political party seeking to take over power and preside over the affairs of this country,” the minister said.
He stressed that political candidates should be held responsible for their statements, especially when addressing the electorate during campaigns.
‘We Will Make It Difficult for Him to Campaign in Rivers’
Wike also issued a warning concerning Amaechi’s political activities in Rivers State, suggesting that the former governor could face difficulties campaigning there if he continued making such remarks.
“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will make it difficult for him,” Wike declared.
He argued that politicians could not insult voters, label them mad people or thieves, and expect to proceed without facing criticism or consequences.
The minister’s comments add another layer to the political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, as leading figures continue to clash over Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Wike Calls for Strict Enforcement of Electoral Rules
Beyond Amaechi’s comments, Wike expressed concern about the increasing use of personal attacks and inflammatory language in Nigerian politics.
He urged INEC and other relevant institutions to take their responsibilities seriously by ensuring that political parties and candidates comply with electoral regulations.
“You see, one problem we have in this country is that agencies or commissions should be able to take their functions seriously,” he said.
Wike noted that Nigerians had repeatedly called for sanctions against politicians whose campaign statements allegedly incite the public or focus on personal insults rather than policy proposals.
He maintained that election campaigns should centre on what candidates intend to do for citizens, including their plans and policies for addressing the country’s challenges.
“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 language instead of explaining their policies and programmes.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, Wike’s demand has brought renewed attention to the role of INEC in regulating campaign conduct and the growing tension among prominent political figures.
