WIKE TO LEAD TINUBU’S 2027 CAMPAIGN, SLAMS AMAECHI OVER HUNGER CLAIMS. (PHOTO).

 Wike to Lead Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign, Slams Amaechi Over Hunger Claims

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced on Monday at 01:10 PM WAT that he will lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Tinubu’s victory, particularly in Rivers State and the FCT, where the president previously secured less than 10% of the vote.

“Are you not aware I will lead his campaign in Rivers State? Are you not aware that he didn’t get up to 10% here in the FCT? But he will win here,” Wike stated confidently. He emphasized his long-standing position on regional equity, saying, “Because I have said the South must produce the president.”

Wike also took a swipe at former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about hunger in Nigeria during his 60th birthday celebration. The FCT Minister described Amaechi as “hungry for power,” pointing to his political history as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, governor from 2007 to 2015, and a minister for eight years. “Two years after he left power, he became hungry—hungry for power,” Wike remarked, noting Amaechi’s alignment with Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai in past political maneuvers.

The minister further defended his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite his support for Tinubu in the 2023 election. Wike argued that his actions did not undermine the PDP, as the party still secured a governorship and National Assembly seats in Rivers State—achievements he attributed to his influence. “If I was playing anti-party, PDP wouldn’t have won the governorship and NASS seats. Rivers was the only state that gave PDP that kind of victory,” he said.

Wike also addressed internal PDP conflicts, recalling his disagreement with the party’s decision to field a northern presidential candidate in 2023. He, alongside Bode George and other stakeholders, had advocated for a southern candidate based on equity and fairness. “I said I wouldn’t support their presidential candidate… You can’t have the presidency and the National Chairman at the same time,” he explained. While George supported the Labour Party’s candidate, Wike backed Tinubu, arguing that the Labour Party candidate had no realistic chance of winning.

Earlier in the day, Wike had reiterated his commitment to the PDP, declaring that no one could push him out of the party he has served for years. His dual role as a PDP member and a key supporter of Tinubu continues to stir debate within political circles.