Amaechi’s 2027 presidential ambition is d3ad on arrival – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2027 presidential ambition of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is “d3ad on arrival,” insisting that he would be the last person considered for his party’s ticket

Wike also claimed that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, is upset with President Bola Tinubu for not being selected as vice president.

In an interview with Channels Television monitored in Abuja on Tuesday night, Wike said Lawal personally visited him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, alongside a former Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after Tinubu announced his running mate.

On Amaechi’s presidential bid, Wike dismissed the former Rivers governor’s recent assertion that he knows President Tinubu’s weaknesses and could defeat him, pointing to Amaechi’s past electoral losses.

“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 asked.

He argued that Amaechi’s track record demonstrates a lack of political strength to pursue a successful presidential bid, even on a new party platform.

Wike also advised former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, to clear his name before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rather than politicize his recent invitation by the anti-graft agency.

Regarding Lawal’s grievance, Wike said it stemmed from his expectation to be chosen as vice president. “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 added, “Must everybody reach Mr President? Is that the way the government runs? There are ministers and advisers who represent him.”

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