2027: Wike predicts Amaechi will abandon Rivers poll after early setback

By Jude Opara

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has predicted that African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, could call on his supporters to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election in Rivers State if early results indicate that he is losing ground.

Wike made the prediction on Saturday while speaking at a grand reception organized in his honour in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former Rivers State governor claimed Amaechi would have no realistic chance of defeating the political coalition backing his own camp in the state and would therefore resort to an election boycott.

“On election day, before 11am, Amaechi will tell his people to boycott the election because he knows there’s no way he’ll defeat us,” Wike said.

He mocked Amaechi’s expected electoral strength in his home area, suggesting that even victory at his polling unit or in his hometown of Ubima would amount to little in the wider contest.

Wike also used the occasion to contrast what he described as Amaechi’s previous reliance on security personnel with the situation he expects to face during the 2027 election.

Acording to the minister, Amaechi had previously moved around Rivers State with large numbers of soldiers and police officers, which he alleged was intended to intimidate residents.

“All of us are witnesses to it, he was coming like he was the Commander-in-Chief with a battalion of soldiers intimidating our people, now he will come alone,” Wike said.

He added that the 2027 contest would be determined by voters rather than displays of security strength.

“No more battalions of soldiers to be with him, no more battalions of police to be with him, it’s now that we the battalion of people will come out,” he said.

The comments further underscore the deep political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, two former governors of Rivers State whose political camps are expected to play prominent roles in the 2027 election.

Wike’s remarks also highlight the importance of Rivers State to the presidential contest, as rival political blocs seek to consolidate support across the state’s local government areas ahead of the election.