Wike asks INEC to sanction Amaechi over Tinubu ‘Mad Man’ remark

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to sanction former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his remarks describing supporters of President Bola Tinubu as “mad men” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Wike made the call on Friday in Abuja while speaking to journalists after a meeting with FCT area council chairmen, accusing Amaechi of making inflammatory comments capable of undermining issue-based political campaigns.

Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, had made the remarks on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State, while criticising Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“It is only a mad man that can vote for Tinubu,” Amaechi said, adding that Tinubu should not win in Edo State if voters were not “mad”.

Reacting, Wike expressed disappointment that INEC had yet to publicly respond to the comments, calling on the electoral body to enforce its regulations.

“Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call the attention of Amaechi,” the minister said.

He added that politicians seeking public office should be held accountable for their campaign statements, particularly when such remarks focus on personal attacks rather than policy proposals.

“This is supposedly a vice-presidential candidate of a political party seeking to take over power and preside over the affairs of this country,” Wike said.

The minister argued that political campaigns should focus on what candidates intend to do for Nigerians rather than resorting to insults against voters or political opponents.

“We have been told to go on campaigns based on issues—what are you going to do for the people—not on attacking personalities or insulting individuals,” he said.

Wike also warned that Amaechi could face resistance if he attempted to campaign in Rivers State, where the minister maintains considerable political influence.

“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will make it difficult for him,” he said.

The minister further criticised media organisations for failing to challenge politicians who make derogatory remarks instead of presenting their policy positions to the electorate.

He urged INEC and other relevant institutions to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure that political campaigns remain focused on issues affecting Nigerians.

Amaechi’s comments have added to the political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the conduct and language of political campaigns likely to remain subjects of public debate.