Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over his prediction on the 2027 presidential election, claiming that fewer than 200 people attended his town hall meeting in Cross River State.
Wike made the remarks during his media chat on Tuesday while reacting to suggestions that the emerging opposition alliance involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Amaechi could pose a challenge to supporters of President Bola Tinubu.
The FCT minister questioned the basis of Amaechi’s prediction that Atiku was positioned to win the 2027 presidential election because of the regional distribution of the major contenders.
“I watched Amaechi. He had a town hall meeting in Cross River. I can tell you the numbers were not up to 200 people,” Wike said.
Recounting Amaechi’s argument, Wike said the former governor had pointed to Atiku’s northern origin and the southern backgrounds of Tinubu, Peter Obi and former governor Donald Duke to argue that the former vice-president had already secured victory.
Amaechi reportedly reasoned that with the major southern contenders drawing support from the same region, Atiku would have an advantage in the contest.
But Wike questioned the argument, asking why a candidate expected to play a key role in the opposition’s campaign would declare the election decided ahead of the poll.
“How can a vice-presidential candidate go to a town hall meeting, stand and tell his supporters, ‘Do you know how this election has been won?’” he asked.
The minister also drew attention to the 2023 presidential election, when Tinubu defeated Atiku and Obi, who finished second and third, respectively.
“In 2023, Atiku ran, Obi ran, Tinubu ran. Who won?” Wike asked.
He, however, maintained that the 2027 contest would have its own dynamics and should not be judged solely by the pattern of the previous election.
“I have always told you people, 2027 will be totally different from 2023,” he said.
The comments come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with rival camps debating the strength of emerging alliances and the possible impact of regional voting patterns on the contest.
