ABUJA, Nigeria — Spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, has rejected claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has lost his political relevance.
Okonkwo argued that Wike’s claim that he had repeatedly defeated Amaechi politically was not supported by the circumstances surrounding the elections he referenced. He made the remarks while speaking on Symfoni TV as he defended Amaechi’s relevance to the Atiku-Amaechi political alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC chieftain questioned the basis for describing Amaechi as a political loser in Rivers State, noting that the former governor did not personally contest the 2015 Rivers State governorship election against Wike.
He also pointed out that Amaechi did not contest an elective position in Rivers State in 2019, arguing that electoral victories involving candidates backed by the former governor should not automatically be described as direct defeats for Amaechi.
According to Okonkwo, Wike’s assessment of Amaechi’s political influence appeared to be largely limited to events within Rivers State. He described Wike as a “local champion” while challenging the minister to provide specific evidence of elections in which Amaechi personally contested against him and was defeated.
“When Wike is talking about elections, can’t you see he restricts himself to Rivers State? Local champion,” Okonkwo said.
He further questioned Wike’s claim of having defeated Amaechi, asking how such a claim could be made when Amaechi was not the candidate in the 2015 Rivers governorship election and did not contest for political office in the state in 2019.
Okonkwo maintained that political influence should not be measured solely by direct electoral contests within one state, stressing that Amaechi’s political career and influence extend beyond Rivers State.
The former Rivers governor has held several prominent political positions, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation. Okonkwo cited Amaechi’s political experience as evidence that he remains an important figure in national politics.
Defending the proposed Atiku-Amaechi political ticket, Okonkwo said the former governor would play an important role in the ADC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He maintained that Amaechi’s political experience, networks and understanding of national politics could be valuable to the opposition coalition as it seeks to challenge the ruling party in the next presidential contest.
The comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and prominent figures increasingly positioning themselves for the presidential contest.
Wike and Amaechi have remained prominent figures in Rivers State and national politics, with their political differences continuing to attract public attention.
Okonkwo’s remarks are therefore likely to add to the ongoing political debate over the strength and relevance of major opposition figures as parties begin to consolidate their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
