PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments on the political prospects of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in the 2027 general elections.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), said Wike’s continued references to Amaechi reflected his concern about the former governor’s political relevance ahead of the next presidential election.
In a statement issued on Monday, Eze, who is a close ally of Amaechi, took exception to comments attributed to Wike suggesting that Amaechi’s emergence as the ADC vice-presidential candidate could work against the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He described Wike’s position as politically motivated and accused the FCT minister of repeatedly attacking Amaechi whenever he speaks about the emerging opposition alliance.
Eze said political debates ahead of the 2027 election should focus on policies, governance and the issues confronting Nigerians rather than personal attacks on political opponents.
The ADC chieftain also criticised what he described as Wike’s repeated references to Amaechi, arguing that the former Rivers governor’s political record and experience should be assessed on their merits.
Eze further challenged Wike to document his political experiences in an autobiography, saying such an account would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess his political journey and relationship with other political figures.
He recalled that Wike served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff when Amaechi was governor of Rivers State, using the relationship to argue that the political differences between the two men should not obscure their shared history.
On Amaechi’s role in the ADC, Eze said the former governor had the experience, national exposure and political capacity to contribute meaningfully to the party’s 2027 presidential campaign.
He described Amaechi as a leader who understands democratic institutions, the rule of law and the management of people and resources, adding that his experience in Rivers State and at the federal level would be an asset to the opposition platform.
Eze also argued that an Atiku-Amaechi ticket could improve the ADC’s chances in the 2027 election, particularly by bringing together two experienced political figures with national networks.
He dismissed Wike’s assessment of Amaechi’s political relevance, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters.
Eze urged Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the present administration to remain focused on the possibility of political change in 2027.
The statement was signed by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, identified as an ADC chieftain, media consultant, public relations strategist and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct nPDP.
