Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, will call on his supporters to boycott the presidential election before voting ends on election day.
Wike made the claim on Saturday while speaking at a grand reception held in his honour in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the former Rivers State governor, Amaechi would resort to an election boycott after realising that he could not defeat the political structure backing the Rainbow Coalition in the state.
Wike said Amaechi’s alleged decision would be driven by his assessment of the political strength of the coalition and its ability to secure victory in Rivers.
“On election day, before 11am, Amaechi will tell his people to boycott the election because he knows there’s no way he’ll defeat us,” Wike said.
The minister’s remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the next general election, with political alliances and emerging coalitions positioning themselves for control of key states and the presidency.
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Rivers State remains strategically important in Nigeria’s political calculations because of its large electorate and influence in the Niger Delta. The state has historically played a significant role in presidential contests, making political control in Rivers a major objective for competing parties and alliances.
Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years before becoming FCT minister, has retained considerable influence in the state’s political affairs. His political camp has been involved in the formation and mobilisation of the Rainbow Coalition, which has become a significant factor in the state’s political landscape.
Amaechi, a former Rivers governor and former Minister of Transportation, remains one of the prominent political figures from the state. His emergence as the ADC presidential candidate’s running mate has further raised the stakes in Rivers ahead of the election.
Wike did not provide evidence for his prediction that Amaechi would ask his supporters to boycott the election. He, however, presented the alleged move as an indication that his political opponents were aware of their limited chances of defeating his camp at the polls.
The minister urged his supporters to remain confident and committed to their political mobilisation, stressing that the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by voters.
His comments are expected to intensify the political contest in Rivers as rival camps continue to consolidate their structures and campaign ahead of the election.
