2027 Showdown: Amaechi and Wike Rekindle Fierce Rivalry Over Political Allegiance
ABUJA, Nigeria – The long-standing political rivalry between former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appears to be rekindled, setting the stage for a potential showdown ahead of the 2027 general elections. The two political heavyweights from Rivers State are aligning with opposing forces, leading to recent public exchanges that highlight their divergent paths.
The renewed tension comes as Amaechi positions himself within an emerging opposition coalition aiming to challenge the current administration. Speaking recently at a public lecture in Abuja titled “Weaponization of Poverty,” which also marked his 60th birthday, Amaechi painted a grim picture of the economic situation.
“We are all hungry. All of us are. If you are not hungry, I am,” Amaechi stated at the event. He then issued a challenge to the ruling party, saying, “So, for us the opposition, if you want us to remove the man in power (Tinubu), we can remove him from this power.” According to a report by DAILY POST, Amaechi is a key figure among opposition groups forming a coalition to potentially unseat President Tinubu in 2027.
Conversely, Nyesom Wike, despite his affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly declared his strong support for President Bola Tinubu and his re-election campaign. Wike’s stance places him in direct opposition to Amaechi’s anti-Tinubu posture.
Amaechi’s assertion that he and Nigerians are hungry did not sit well with Wike. During his monthly media briefing on Monday, Wike dismissed Amaechi’s claim, arguing that the former Minister of Transportation was not suffering from a lack of resources.
Wike suggested that Amaechi and the opposition coalition were instead “hungry for power.” He further recalled a past statement attributed to Amaechi where he allegedly claimed he does not like money, using it to counter Amaechi’s current narrative of hunger.
This public exchange highlights the contrasting political allegiances and ambitions of the two prominent figures as the country moves towards the 2027 electoral cycle. With Amaechi positioning himself as a voice for the opposition and Wike vowing to champion President Tinubu’s re-election, their historical feud is set to play a significant role in the evolving political landscape.
