Wike Critiques Atiku-Amaechi Ticket for 2027 Election

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed his belief that the joint presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi would not succeed in the 2027 presidential election. During a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike argued that Amaechi's selection would not enhance Atiku's electoral strength, particularly in Rivers State and the South-South region.

He suggested that the choice was financially motivated rather than politically advantageous, stating, "If it is in terms of bringing votes to support him, it is dead on arrival." Wike criticized Amaechi's electoral value, noting that he had not won an election since 2011 and questioned his influence in the South-South geopolitical zone. Wike also criticized the opposition coalition for hypocrisy regarding its internal processes, recalling that a leading figure had previously condemned the party's primary election process for corruption and irregularities, only to later accept its outcome.