Wike challenges Atiku, Amaechi to explain records ahead of 2027

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for their records in public office ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike questioned Atiku’s eight-year tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while demanding explanations from Amaechi over alleged spending on projects during his administration in Rivers State.

The minister spoke on Thursday at a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he also argued that Amaechi’s entry into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had complicated the party’s presidential ticket.

Wike urged Nigerians to assess the records of presidential aspirants rather than be swayed by political affiliations or campaign promises.

He questioned the impact of Atiku’s time in office between 1999 and 2007, particularly his role in the federal government’s privatisation programme.

“Atiku was vice-president from 1999 to 2007. How many years? He was not just a vice-president, but a very powerful vice-president. He was in charge of privatisation and everything concerning companies and industries owned by the government,” Wike said.

“Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No!” he added.

Wike also cited Obasanjo’s past criticism of Atiku, including the former president’s reported expression of regret over supporting his former deputy’s emergence as vice-president.

He argued that Obasanjo’s assessment should form part of the scrutiny of Atiku’s record as he pursues another presidential bid.

The FCT minister also questioned the credibility of the ADC as an alternative to President Bola Tinubu, following the entry of Atiku and Amaechi into the party.

Turning to Amaechi’s eight years as Rivers governor between 2007 and 2015, Wike raised questions about the alleged expenditure of $10m on a mosquito-control programme, $39m on a proposed specialist hospital and N68bn on a monorail project.

He also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine in December 2014 for $308m.

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“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” Wike asked.

The allegations were made by Wike at the political gathering and were not independently verified in the information provided.

He maintained that Nigerians should demand accountability from political officeholders before entrusting them with greater responsibilities.

Earlier, the Zonal Director of the Post Primary Schools Board, Chimereze Nworgo, said the people of Ogbia Local Government Area appreciated infrastructure and security interventions associated with Wike’s tenure as Rivers governor.

Nworgo cited the Ogbia-Nembe Road, improved connectivity, a model secondary school and recognition of traditional institutions among the interventions.

He also commended Wike for supporting the political representation of Ogbia indigenes, including Ambassador Desmond Eji Akawu.

While reaffirming the community’s support for Wike, Nworgo appealed for more road construction and rehabilitation, a general hospital, renovation of dilapidated schools, youth employment and empowerment, and additional political appointments for Ogbia indigenes.

The chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, also presented a gift to Wike on behalf of the council in recognition of his position as FCT minister and leader of the Rainbow Coalition.