The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has told the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, that he has no legal or moral right to stop its Vice-Presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, from campaigning in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party reacted to a statement attributed to Wike on Saturday, in which he reportedly said he would not allow Amaechi to campaign in Rivers unless he accounted for funds allegedly misappropriated during his tenure as governor.
In a statement, the State’s Publicity Secretary, Chizy Eneyi, challenged Wike to present evidence of the alleged financial misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
“If Wike possessed evidence of the monumental crimes he now alleges, why has he not ensured their prosecution?” the party asked, noting that Wike served as Governor of Rivers State for eight years.
Eneyi said: “Eight years as governor, yet the evidence apparently only comes out whenever Amaechi speaks. What an extraordinary coincidence!
“Television studios are not courtrooms, political insults are not evidence, and shouting allegations into microphones does not amount to securing a conviction.”
On Wike’s reported threat to prevent Amaechi from campaigning in Rivers, the party described the statement as troubling and an affront to opposition politicians’ rights.
He asked: “Since when did Rivers State become a private estate requiring the permission of Nyesom Wike before citizens can exercise their constitutional rights?
“Rivers State belongs to Rivers’ people, not to any individual, however powerful he imagines himself to be. Amaechi does not require Wike’s permission to visit, campaign or seek the votes of Rivers people. Neither does the ADC.”
The party urged security agencies to take note of Wike’s remarks and ensure the safety of political actors and the protection of their constitutional rights.
“We consider this statement particularly troubling given the history of political intimidation and attacks on opposition activities in our state,” the statement said.
The ADC also questioned Wike’s involvement in Amaechi’s political activities, given his responsibility for administering the FCT.
The party further asked: “If Amaechi is as politically irrelevant as his detractors would have Nigerians believe, why does every statement he makes appear to require an emergency response from Wike?
“Sometimes, the loudest response is the clearest admission that the message has hit home.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to offering Nigerians an alternative and ensuring that Rivers’ residents could freely choose their leaders.
“Rivers State is not anybody’s inheritance. Democracy is not a private franchise. And no Minister holds the licence to determine who may or may not campaign in Rivers State,” the statement said.