BY AHMED AKANBI And Wumi Oyehan
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, said former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s testimony on his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, and the entry of former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, have complicated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike challenged Atiku to account for his eight years in office from 1999 to 2007, noting he was not just vice president but a powerful one in charge of privatisation.
”Atiku was vice president from 1999 to 2007. How many years? He was a very powerful vice president. He was in charge of privatisation and everything concerning companies and industries owned by the government.
”Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No,” Wike said.
He said Obasanjo’s past criticism and reported regret over picking Atiku as deputy should be part of debate as Nigerians consider Atiku’s renewed ambition.
The minister said ADC cannot present a convincing alternative to President Bola Tinubu with Atiku and Amaechi on its ticket.
He questioned Amaechi’s record as Rivers governor from 2007 to 2015, citing alleged $10 million mosquito-control programme, $39 million proposed specialist hospital, N68 billion monorail project and $308 million from sale of a gas turbine in December 2014.
”Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? Where is the $10 million for fumigation?” he asked.
Wike said voters should scrutinise records, not campaign rhetoric.
Earlier, Zonal Director of Post Primary Schools Board, Chimereze Nworgo, said Ogbia LGA appreciates Wike’s interventions as governor, including Ogbia-Nembe Road, model secondary school and recognition of traditional institutions, and appealed for more roads, hospital, school renovation and youth empowerment.