On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike dismissed the 2027 presidential ambition of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi as “dead on arrival,” asserting that Amaechi lacks the political strength to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket or challenge President Bola Tinubu, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, as reported by Vanguard and Leadership.ng. Wike cited Amaechi’s electoral losses in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023, including his defeat in the 2022 APC presidential primary where Tinubu won with 1,271 votes to Amaechi’s 316 (The Nation). Wike mocked Amaechi’s claim of knowing Tinubu’s weaknesses, stating, “He knew those weaknesses in 2022, yet Tinubu defeated him mercilessly.”
Wike also alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal’s criticism of Tinubu stems from being overlooked for the vice-presidential slot in 2023, claiming Lawal visited him in Port Harcourt with a former Speaker to express this grievance (Naijanews.com). He defended Tinubu’s accessibility, noting that ministers and aides handle public engagement, and dismissed Lawal’s attacks as “borne of bitterness” (Punch). Additionally, Wike advised former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal to address his EFCC summons over alleged ₦600 billion misappropriation rather than politicizing it (Sahara Reporters). X posts from @Vanguardngrnews (August 20, 2025) amplified Wike’s remarks, while @Naija_Activist criticized his “divisive rhetoric,” reflecting polarized sentiments as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections with 93 million registered voters (INEC, 2024).
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