RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi against making what he described as inflammatory remarks about President Bola Tinubu and his supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike said Amaechi could encounter difficulties campaigning in Rivers State if he continued making statements the minister considered insulting to the president’s supporters.
The minister issued the warning on Friday in Abuja after a meeting with chairmen of the six FCT area councils.
His comments followed reports that Amaechi, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had allegedly described supporters of President Tinubu as thieves or mentally unstable.
Wike condemned the reported remarks, arguing that political disagreements should not become opportunities to insult voters or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“If he continues this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will not take that,” Wike warned.
The minister also questioned the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in addressing inflammatory political statements.
He urged electoral authorities to ensure that political parties and candidates conduct campaigns responsibly, focusing on policies, programmes and governance rather than personal attacks.
Wike maintained that political competition should not provide justification for statements capable of generating hostility among supporters of rival parties.
The FCT minister subsequently challenged Amaechi to account for several projects and financial transactions undertaken during his administration as Rivers State governor.
Among the projects he questioned were a reported $39 million cassava flour mill, a $10 million payment to a Cuban company for mosquito-control services and the ₦68 billion Rivers monorail project.
He also raised questions concerning the reported sale of a gas turbine valued at $308 million.
Wike further alleged that Amaechi had been indicted by a judicial panel of inquiry and challenged the former governor to explain the outcome of his legal efforts concerning the panel’s findings.
The allegations concerning the projects and financial transactions remain claims made by Wike and should not be interpreted as established findings of criminal wrongdoing.
Amaechi’s response to the latest allegations was not available in the account of the minister’s remarks.
The exchange reflects continuing political disagreements between the two former Rivers State governors as parties and political figures prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Although Wike has publicly declared support for President Tinubu, Amaechi remains associated with opposition political activities.
The controversy also raises questions about the responsibility of political leaders to protect the right of opponents to campaign peacefully, irrespective of political disagreements.
Under Nigeria’s democratic framework, political parties and candidates are entitled to conduct lawful campaigns, subject to applicable electoral and public-order regulations.
