The FCT Minister questions the former leaders’ performance in office, arguing that their records should be scrutinized before seeking another mandate from Nigerians.
Titansloaded reports that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to account for their records in public office amid speculation about a possible joint presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike argued that combining the two politicians on a presidential ticket would not improve its electoral prospects, insisting that Nigerians should assess their previous performance before considering them for higher responsibilities.
The minister made the remarks at a Rainbow Coalition gathering in Rivers State, where he questioned the achievements of both politicians during their years in government.
“As bad as the Atiku ticket is, attaching Rotimi Amaechi as a vice president worsens it. It is important to show your report card,” Wike said.
Focusing on Atiku’s tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, Wike questioned the impact of his contributions to the administration, particularly his involvement in the Federal Government’s privatisation programme.
He noted that Atiku occupied a powerful position during the eight-year administration and was responsible for overseeing aspects of the privatisation of government-owned enterprises.
According to Wike, the former vice-president should explain the results of that responsibility and demonstrate how his decisions benefited the country.
“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,” he said.
“Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No!”
Wike also referred to past criticisms attributed to Obasanjo concerning his former deputy, including reports that the former president had expressed regret over supporting Atiku’s emergence as vice-president.
He urged Nigerians to consider those criticisms when assessing Atiku’s renewed ambition to become president in 2027.
The FCT minister extended his criticism to Amaechi, demanding explanations for several transactions and projects reportedly undertaken during the latter’s tenure as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.
Among the issues he raised was the reported sale of a gas turbine for $308 million in December 2014. He also questioned the reported expenditure of $39 million on a proposed specialist hospital, N68 billion on the state’s monorail project and $10 million on a mosquito-control programme.
Wike challenged Amaechi to provide explanations for the figures and clarify the outcomes of the projects and spending he cited.
“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” he asked.
The minister maintained that aspiring leaders should be prepared to defend their records and account for public funds before seeking another opportunity to serve.
His comments come as political groups and major opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with discussions continuing over possible alliances and the candidates who could challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The Rainbow Coalition, the platform under which Wike delivered his remarks, is mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Wike’s intervention adds to the growing political debate surrounding opposition coalition-building and the scrutiny of candidates’ previous records as parties prepare for the next general elections.
