Wike Slams Amaechi In Explosive Press Conference, Declares Support For Tinubu’s 2027 Bid

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reignited his fierce political rivalry with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, during a no-holds-barred press parley  on Monday, where he ridiculed Amaechi’s track record and declared full support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Wike was responding to Amaechi’s recent statement during his 60th birthday celebration, where the former governor of Rivers State said: “We’re all hungry, all of us are. If you’re not hungry, I am.”

Visibly irritated by what he described as posturing, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s remarks as insincere and opportunistic.

“You spent 23 years in government — Speaker, Governor, Minister — and now you’re blaming the system you helped build?” Wike asked. “The hunger you’re talking about is not hunger for food, it’s hunger for relevance and power.”

Wike went further, mocking Amaechi’s academic journey and perceived lack of intellectual depth.

“Some people spent 16 years trying to read law. And now they want to be taken seriously as national leaders?” Wike said, before adding: “You can’t give what you don’t have.”

In a sharp critique of Amaechi’s political influence, Wike downplayed his rival’s relevance, highlighting his inability to deliver electoral success even while holding powerful positions.

“We tend to overestimate some individuals,” Wike said. “What real influence does Amaechi have? He was a sitting governor in 2015, yet he couldn’t install a successor. He even failed to secure 25% of the vote in Rivers State for Muhammadu Buhari.”

“In 2019, he was a sitting minister and Director-General of Buhari’s campaign, yet he couldn’t even produce a governorship candidate for his party, nor could he deliver 25% for Buhari. What kind of leader is that?” Wike added, laughing off the idea of Amaechi leading any meaningful coalition against the current administration.

“In fact, let this so-called coalition form a team and start from their home states,” he challenged. “Let’s see how they plan to remove the president.”

Amid the attack, Wike made a major political announcement: he will personally lead President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Let me say it clearly — I will lead the campaign for President Tinubu in Rivers. We’re supporting a working government, not bitter losers who are angry because they lost political relevance.”

Wike’s comments are likely to deepen the long-standing feud between the two political titans of Rivers State. Once allies, Wike and Amaechi have spent the better part of the last decade in open hostility, vying for control of the state’s political machinery and influence at the federal level.

Analysts view Wike’s growing alignment with the Tinubu presidency as a strategic move to consolidate his power base nationally, while isolating Amaechi and any opposition faction that might arise ahead of the next election cycle.

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Wike’s bold rhetoric and political maneuvering suggest he intends to play a central role — both as a powerbroker and a national figure within the ruling party.