Amaechi Fires Back at Wike Over Running Mate Money Claim

Rotimi Amaechi has hit back at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike after Wike claimed that former vice-president Atiku Abubakar chose Amaechi as his running mate because of money.

Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, responded during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Tuesday.

He dismissed Wike’s criticism and said he would not respond to what he described as comments from a subordinate.

“I don’t respond to my subordinate. Wike never hired me.”

Amaechi also warned that he would respond directly to anyone who attacked him once he resumes political campaigning.

“By the time I finish mourning and go into campaign, anybody that insults me, I will insult him back,” he said.

The comments came after Wike addressed selected journalists at a media parley on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the FCT minister questioned Amaechi’s political relevance in Rivers State. He also claimed that financial considerations influenced Atiku’s decision to select Amaechi as his running mate.

The exchange adds another chapter to the long-running political rivalry between the two Rivers State politicians.

Amaechi and Wike previously served in the same political camp before becoming prominent rivals in Rivers politics.

The latest dispute comes as political parties and politicians prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi had initially contested the ADC presidential primary. However, he lost the party’s ticket to Atiku Abubakar.

Following the primary, Atiku approached Amaechi. The ADC later announced Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The decision placed the former Rivers State governor at the centre of the ADC’s campaign strategy.

For now, the latest exchange shows that the political contest ahead of 2027 is already producing sharp disagreements among key opposition figures.

As campaigning gathers pace, further clashes between Amaechi and Wike could shape political discussions in Rivers State and beyond.