The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has made a strong prediction that Rotimi Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, will call for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election in Rivers State before 11am on election day. Speaking during a grand reception held in his honour in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Wike stated that Amaechi’s decision to urge supporters to stay away from polling units stems from his awareness that he cannot defeat the Rainbow Coalition in the state.
Wike emphasized that Amaechi’s chances of winning are slim, even within his own village of Ubima. “If he wins his village, Ubima, then he has won the election. That’s if he will win his own polling unit,” Wike declared, underscoring the low expectations for Amaechi’s performance. He argued that the ADC candidate’s past reliance on military and police presence to influence votes is no longer viable. “No more battalions of soldiers to be with him, no more battalions of police to be with him, it’s now that we the battalion of people will come out,” he added.
The FCT Minister also accused Amaechi of using a battalion of soldiers to intimidate voters during previous campaigns. He claimed that the public had witnessed Amaechi arriving at events accompanied by large military contingents, acting as if he were the Commander-in-Chief. “All of us are witnesses to it, he was coming like he was the Commander-in-Chief with a battalion of soldiers intimidating our people, now he will come alone,” Wike said, highlighting the shift in political dynamics.
This statement comes amid heightened political activity in Rivers State, where the Rainbow Coalition, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is seen as a formidable force. Wike’s remarks reflect confidence in the coalition’s ability to mobilize support without coercion, contrasting sharply with what he describes as Amaechi’s past tactics. The minister’s comments have sparked reactions across social media and political circles, with many viewing them as a direct challenge to Amaechi’s credibility and campaign strategy.
As election day approaches, the political landscape in Rivers State remains tense, with both sides intensifying their outreach efforts. Wike’s prediction adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting that Amaechi may resort to boycott calls if he anticipates defeat. The outcome of the election in Rivers State could serve as an early indicator of national voting trends, given its strategic importance in Nigeria’s political map. The nation will be watching closely as citizens prepare to exercise their democratic rights.
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