The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike over his latest attack on former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi saying that Wike’s constant attacks on the former Governor of Rivers State “betray anxiety rather than confidence”.
Wike himself, immediate past governor of Rivers State in a recent media chat took a swipe at Amaechi, dismissing him as having lost politcal relevance and followership to be able any serious challenge to Wike’s rainbow coalition in the 2027 election.
But the ADC in a statement in Port Harcourt responded to Wike noting that his continued attacks on Amaechi without any provocation demonstrates contradictions and “betrays anxiety rather than confidence.
The ADC stated in a statement signed by Chizzy Enyi Spokesperson of the party in Rivers State said; “Our attention has been drawn to the latest media outburst by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in which he launched yet another barrage of attacks against the Leader of our Party, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while desperately attempting to convince Rivers people that the 2027 election is already settled.
“Ordinarily, we would not dignify such comments with a response. However, it is necessary to set the records straight.
It is ironic that a man who has repeatedly claimed that the opposition poses no threat has continued to devote so much time and energy attacking the very people he says have no electoral value”.
The party declared that Wike’s attempt to rewrite political history would not erase the undeniable fact that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi remained one of the most consequential political leaders to emerge from Rivers State.
“His record in governance, public service, and national leadership speaks for itself and does not require validation from those who measure politics solely by personal loyalty and political convenience”, the ADC stated.
The party added that the Minister’s repeated references to previous elections conveniently ignore the reality that elections are determined by the Nigerian people under prevailing political circumstances stressing that every election is unique, and 2027 would not be an exception.
The ADC said; “More importantly, Rivers people are not interested in endless political quarrels or personality clashes.
They are concerned about the economy, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, the welfare of ordinary citizens, and the growing hardship across the country. These are the issues that deserve the attention of public office holders.
“It is also curious that the Minister now seeks to present himself as the sole custodian of Rivers State’s political destiny. Rivers State belongs to its people, not to any individual. No one possesses the exclusive right to determine how Rivers people will vote.
“The ADC remains focused on offering credible leadership, responsible governance, and practical solutions to the challenges confronting our state and nation. We will continue to engage Rivers people with our vision and programmes rather than descend into unnecessary exchanges of insults.
“As for the boast that only one political party can win Rivers State, democracy is decided by the electorate, not by media declarations. The people will have the final say in 2027.
“We therefore advise Chief Wike to concentrate on the enormous responsibilities of administering the Federal Capital Territory and allow Rivers people the freedom to make their democratic choices without intimidation, propaganda, or political grandstanding.
“The ADC remains confident that truth, performance, and the will of the people will ultimately prevail”.
