Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as a ‘joint ticket of corruption.’
Wike spoke on Monday during town hall interactive meetings with the Rumueme and Apara Kingdoms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The former Rivers governor said such a coalition stands no chance of securing the mandatory 25 per cent constitutional vote share in strategic states like Rivers, dismissing its electoral value as empty posturing built on graft.
Wike referenced the verdict passed on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by his former principal, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He noted that a candidate whose alleged corruption baggage was catalogued by his former boss can hardly lay claim to moral integrity.
According to him, the inclusion of Amaechi only worsens an already morally bankrupt ticket.
‘When I saw Atiku on television yesterday, asking Nigerians to take any money given to them by people from the party in power, that it will be stolen money, I said haa, Atiku is now an apostle of anti-corruption?
‘The same Atiku that his boss described as corrupt and that one of his major regrets is making him his Vice President is talking,’ Wike said.
Shifting focus to the broader national landscape, Wike said his ultimate political preoccupation remains securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Dismissing the opposition as political jobbers, the FCT Minister declared that President Tinubu’s reelection bid is a settled matter.
He called on the people of Rivers State to shun those deceiving Nigerians and vote for Tinubu’s reelection, saying the President has brought development to Rivers State.
‘Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the president’s reelection. When I am eating, I think about the president’s reelection. Everything I am doing now is about the president’s reelection.
‘Let us forget sentiment and vote for the person that has recognized the people of Rivers State with dividends of democracy and with several appointments.
‘I know the reelection of Tinubu in 2027 will be easier than that of 2023. We should appreciate Tinubu and ensure massive votes for him. We can do it,’ he said.
The minister said he harbours no illusions about the heavy political battles ahead.
Addressing stakeholders in Rumueme and Apara Kingdoms, Wike cautioned against internal friction and communal distractions orchestrated by elements seeking to destabilise the grassroots.
He stressed that true political capacity stems from organic connection with the people, contrasting the vision of the current administration with what he described as the records of those seeking to return to power through compromised alliances.
‘What will be, will be. You don’t need to kill yourself. Anything that God said would be, it would be,’ he said.
Wike also faulted the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him and others as ‘unelectable’ politicians.