– Ex-Rivers governor says Wike lacks respect, dares him to test popularity
– Amaechi confirms resignation from APC, eyes opposition coalition
– Rivalry between ex-allies reaches new boiling point
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what he called consistent disrespect and political attacks, daring Wike to walk with him from Abuja to Port Harcourt without security.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday, Amaechi said Wike had forgotten their political history and questioned his continued verbal attacks.
“Let the Minister of the FCT come, let’s take a walk from the airport to Port Harcourt — no police, no army, nothing, just the two of us,” Amaechi said.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t respect people like us. I am older. I brought him up in politics. Who is he?”
Amaechi confirms leaving APC: “If there’s even a party called APC…”
Amaechi also used the interview to announce his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Yes, I did. I think it was on Tuesday,” he confirmed.
“I directed one of my staff from my village to convey the letter to the ward chairman that I have left the party — if there’s even a party called APC, by the way.”
"Wike is a distraction to the opposition" — Amaechi
The former Minister of Transportation said the opposition should focus on educating Nigerians ahead of 2027, not chasing after Wike’s antics.
“If the opposition continues to focus on him, we’ll be distracted… 2027 is between the people and Tinubu’s government,” he said.
On his silence during the Rivers political feud between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Amaechi said:
“Why should I intervene? Don’t you get impressed by my reaction, that at the end of the day, somebody has surrendered?”
Wike hits back: “Why lie on your 60th birthday?”
Wike had earlier responded to Amaechi’s 60th birthday speech, in which the ex-governor said he was “hungry” and open to joining the Atiku-led opposition coalition.
“I don’t know why a man would choose his 60th birthday to tell lies,” Wike said.
“Of all times, on your 60th birthday when people are celebrating you?”
Wike accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, noting that he had held powerful political offices for over two decades and never complained about hunger.
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007… governor from 2007 to 2015… minister from 2015 to 2023. When he was borrowing money for projects, he didn’t talk about hunger,” Wike stated.
From allies to enemies: Wike vs Amaechi
Amaechi and Wike’s fallout continues to dominate national headlines, with both leaders trading jabs almost weekly. Their rivalry, rooted in their shared political past, is now setting the tone for Rivers State politics and opposition movements ahead of 2027.
