Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has rejected criticism of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and accused supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of attempting to undermine Amaechi’s political standing.
Eze was reacting to comments by the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum, which had previously urged the ADC to reconsider Amaechi for the party’s vice-presidential ticket. The ADC subsequently named Amaechi as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 election.
Key Highlights
- ADC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze defends Rotimi Amaechi against criticism over his political record.
- Eze accuses Wike’s supporters of attempting to undermine Amaechi’s political influence.
- ADC has formally selected Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
- Eze highlights Amaechi’s previous roles as Rivers Assembly Speaker, governor and Minister of Transportation.
- Wike has publicly criticised Amaechi’s decision to contest under the ADC and questioned his political record.
- The dispute is part of wider political arguments surrounding the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, Eze described the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum as an organisation whose criticism of Amaechi should not be taken seriously.
He argued that the group’s comments amounted to political messaging designed to influence public opinion against the former Rivers governor.
According to Eze, the criticism of Amaechi was ironic because, in his view, those questioning the former governor’s political relevance continued to discuss his role in the 2027 election.
Eze said the attention surrounding Amaechi’s selection as Atiku’s running mate showed that the former governor remained an important figure in the political debate ahead of the 2027 election.
The ADC announced Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate on June 15, 2026, following consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders and representatives of the geopolitical zones.
Eze Lists Amaechi’s Political Experience
Eze defended Amaechi’s political record, citing his previous positions as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Director-General of the 2015 presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress and Minister of Transportation.
He argued that assessments of a politician’s electoral relevance should not be based solely on local voting figures, but should also take account of public office experience, political alliances and national profile.
Eze said attempts to influence the ADC’s decision through media campaigns would not alter the party’s choice.
He also criticised Wike, saying the FCT minister should focus on his responsibilities in Abuja rather than what Eze described as a continuing political dispute with Amaechi.
Wike has previously criticised Amaechi’s decision to contest under the ADC. In June, he said he would have advised Amaechi against joining the party if the former governor had sought his counsel.
In August, Wike also questioned Amaechi’s electoral record and his ability to influence votes for the opposition coalition.
Eze Rejects Criticism of Atiku-Amaechi Ticket
Eze urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as politically motivated attacks against Amaechi, arguing that the former governor’s record should be judged on his years in public service.
He maintained that Amaechi’s contributions to Rivers State and the Federal Government could not be erased by political criticism.
The ADC chieftain also said the former governor’s experience would be relevant to the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
His comments followed an earlier statement by the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum, which opposed the push for Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate and questioned his electoral appeal.
The forum’s position came before the ADC formally announced Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate.
Eze concluded by dismissing the group’s criticism and maintained that political disagreements would not change the ADC’s decision to pair Atiku with Amaechi for the 2027 presidential election. For more updates, follow us on X.
