ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out any possibility of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, clinching a presidential ticket in 2027, describing his ambition as “dead on arrival.”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television monitored in Abuja on Tuesday night, Wike took aim at Amaechi’s recent claim that he understood President Bola Tinubu’s weaknesses and could defeat him in an election. The FCT Minister insisted that Amaechi lacked the political strength to pursue a credible presidential bid.
“The last person they will give a ticket to is Amaechi. That is dead on arrival. In 2014 and 2015, when he was governor, we defeated him. In 2019, when he was Minister and Director-General of Buhari’s campaign, we also defeated him. Even in 2023, when he supported another candidate, he still lost. So how would he now claim the capacity to win?” Wike stated.
The minister argued that Amaechi’s track record in electoral contests shows a consistent pattern of defeat, further reinforcing why he should not be taken seriously in the 2027 race.
Wike also directed political fire at former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, alleging that his ongoing criticism of the Tinubu administration stems from personal disappointment. According to him, Lawal had expected to be named Vice President when President Tinubu announced his running mate in 2022.
“What was his anger? His anger was that he thought Mr President would have chosen him as the vice presidential candidate. Having not done that, heaven would have to let loose. He wanted to become vice president; that is very obvious,” Wike said.
He revealed that Lawal had personally visited him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, along with a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, shortly after Tinubu unveiled his choice of running mate.
In addition, Wike advised former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his recent invitation instead of attempting to politicize the anti-graft agency’s move.
“Must everybody reach Mr President? Is that the way government runs? There are ministers and advisers who represent him,” he added, urging critics to separate personal grievances from governance.
With his remarks, Wike has not only reignited old rivalries within the political class but also set the tone for what could be a contentious build-up to the 2027 general elections.
