By John Umejh
The political rivalry between former Rivers State governors, Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi, has once again flared up as Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismissed Amaechi’s reported 2027 presidential ambition as “dead on arrival.”
Wike, who has never hidden his disdain for his predecessor, made the remarks while addressing political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. According to him, Amaechi lacks the political goodwill, support base, and credibility to mount a serious bid for the presidency.
“Some people are already dreaming about 2027. Let me tell you — that ambition is dead on arrival. Nigerians know who is who, and they will never entrust power to someone who betrayed their state and their people,” Wike declared.
The FCT Minister further accused Amaechi of presiding over what he described as “years of lost opportunities” in Rivers State, insisting that the former transportation minister’s political influence had waned significantly both within the state and at the national level.
A Renewed Rivalry
The feud between the two political heavyweights dates back more than a decade, stemming from disputes within the Rivers State political family that once united them. Amaechi, a former governor (2007–2015) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has remained one of Wike’s fiercest political adversaries.
In 2023, both men played crucial but opposing roles in shaping national politics. While Amaechi campaigned unsuccessfully for the APC presidential ticket, Wike — then governor — spearheaded the G5 governors’ rebellion within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which fractured opposition momentum in the presidential election.
‘No Political Capital Left’
Wike argued that Amaechi has lost political capital since leaving office, claiming that Rivers people no longer rally behind him.
“Power is not given to those who shout the loudest. Power comes with evidence of loyalty to your people and a track record of delivery. My brother (Amaechi) does not have that anymore,” Wike said.
Political analysts say Wike’s comments reflect the ongoing battle for supremacy in Rivers politics, a rivalry that has consistently spilled into national conversations.
Amaechi Yet to Respond
As of press time, Amaechi had not issued any response to Wike’s scathing remarks. However, his loyalists within the APC maintain that the former minister remains a “force to reckon with” and should not be underestimated ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, Rivers residents and Nigerians at large continue to watch the unfolding drama between the two former governors, whose rivalry shows no sign of ending anytime soon.
