Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has argued that the leadership arrangement within the African Democratic Congress left former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi with little realistic chance of clinching the party’s presidential ticket.
Speaking during a media session in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the composition of the ADC leadership convinced him early on that the contest would favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, Amaechi’s participation in the race was destined to end in disappointment because the process was unlikely to provide equal opportunities for all aspirants.
“Amaechi is my brother. I served as Chief of Staff in his government. When I saw that he was running with them, I knew what would happen. If he had called me, I would have said, ‘Don’t go there.’ It was very clear he would not get transparency or due process,” Wike said.
The minister said the emergence of David Mark in a key leadership role within the party reinforced his belief that the primary would tilt toward Atiku.
“When I saw the setup in ADC and saw David Mark there, I laughed. When you have worked with these people, you know who is who and what they are capable of doing. That set-up was Atiku’s set-up 100 per cent.
“You cannot set a trap for me. We know ourselves as politicians. Who told you that kind of structure would give you transparency? Who told you that kind of structure would give you free and fair elections?” he said.
Wike further suggested that Amaechi was influenced by widespread criticism of the current administration and moved too quickly into the race.
“I think my brother made a mistake. He was too much in a hurry. He was carried away by people shouting that this government is not doing well. They used that to lure people in and give themselves credibility,” he added.
He also revisited the PDP’s 2022 presidential primary, alleging that the process which produced Atiku as the party’s candidate lacked the level of neutrality expected by many stakeholders.
Wike’s comments come amid continued debate over the ADC primary. Amaechi had earlier dismissed the outcome, claiming the exercise failed to meet the standards of fairness promised by the party. He also alleged that a number of members were prevented from participating in the voting process.
Despite the objections, the ADC proceeded to declare Atiku winner of the primary and its flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Following the contest, Atiku has reportedly engaged Amaechi and fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in reconciliation talks aimed at strengthening unity within the party ahead of the next general election.
