Chief Eze Chukwuemeka and Wike

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported criticism of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s emergence as the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Eze, a close ally of Amaechi, accused Wike of ingratitude, backstabbing and political blackmail, saying the former Rivers governor was only attacking Amaechi because he was concerned about the potential impact of the ADC ticket.

In a statement issued on Monday, Eze described Wike as a “serial blackmailer” and “backstabber,” while accusing him of presenting himself as a political “demi-god.”

He said he would ordinarily not have responded to Wike’s comments but was compelled to do so because of what he described as the minister’s repeated references to Amaechi.

“Ordinarily, I don’t have any business joining issues with a drunken master and his beer-parlour talks,” Eze said.

He argued that politicians should focus on issues of governance rather than attacking individuals, adding that Wike’s political style was centred on gossip, backbiting and invectives against perceived opponents.

The ADC chieftain also recalled Wike’s appointment as Chief of Staff during Amaechi’s administration as governor of Rivers State, accusing the minister of failing to acknowledge Amaechi’s role in his political career.

Eze challenged Wike to publish an autobiography detailing his political journey, saying such a book would enable Nigerians to better understand his political career and relationships with former political associates.

Defending Amaechi’s candidacy, Eze described the former governor as a politician with the experience, exposure and leadership qualities required to serve as vice president.

He said Amaechi was committed to democracy, the rule of law, accountability, human rights and national unity.

“Amaechi is an epitome of integrity and honesty. He is a man of his word, very loyal, transparent and accountable for the decisions and actions he takes. Above all, he is a team player,” Eze stated.

He further claimed that the combination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Amaechi on the ADC ticket posed a significant political challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election.

“Wike knows that the Abubakar-Amaechi joint ticket portends great danger for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu,” Eze said.

He questioned why Wike would be concerned about Amaechi’s political relevance if the ADC vice-presidential candidate would not add electoral value to the opposition party’s presidential campaign.

“If Amaechi will not add electoral and triumphant value to the ADC’s quest to unseat Tinubu, why then is Wike shivering and casting aspersions on the person of his former boss, Amaechi?” he asked.

Eze subsequently urged Nigerians to remain committed to the quest for political change in 2027, while describing the Tinubu administration in highly critical terms.

The statement is the latest exchange in the continuing political rivalry surrounding key figures from Rivers State as parties and political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.