You Won’t Return to Power – Wike Tells Amaechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amaechi, who officially joined the ADC earlier this week, is part of a growing opposition alliance reportedly backed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

While announcing his move, Amaechi criticised the current administration, claiming it had poorly handled the economy and arguing that the Buhari government under which he served was more competent.

But Wike, who succeeded Amaechi as governor of Rivers State and now serves in Tinubu’s cabinet, dismissed the former minister’s political comeback bid. Speaking in Gwagwalada on Friday during the commissioning of road projects by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wike accused Amaechi of being driven by bitterness over losing political relevance.

“Because you are no longer in office, you are angry. You claim Nigerians are angry just so you can return to power. You won’t come back,” Wike declared.

The FCT minister further dared Amaechi and other members of the ADC alliance to present their achievements to Nigerians. “Let them show their scorecards. What did they do when they were in power?”.

The rivalry between Wike and Amaechi spans nearly two decades. Amaechi governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, with Wike succeeding him and leading the oil-rich state until 2023. Both men, now entrenched in national politics, remain central figures in the ongoing power tussles within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).