ADC chieftain condemns alleged threat to stop former Rivers governor from campaigning, calls for democratic tolerance
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his reported attacks on former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Eze described Wike’s criticism of Amaechi’s 24 years in public service as a distraction and a sign of political desperation, while condemning the reported threat to prevent the former governor from campaigning in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, Eze reacted to remarks attributed to Wike during an engagement with stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The FCT minister reportedly questioned what Amaechi had achieved or attracted to Evo Kingdom and Rivers State during his years in public office.
Eze described the remarks as an attempt to diminish Amaechi’s political legacy and divert attention from pressing issues affecting Rivers State and Nigeria.
He questioned Wike’s persistent focus on his former political ally, arguing that political relevance should be built on performance, ideas and tangible achievements rather than repeated attacks on political opponents.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand the FCT Minister’s persistent preoccupation with Amaechi. If Wike believes that repeatedly attacking his former political benefactor will enhance his relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections, then he is gravely mistaken,” Eze said.
The ADC chieftain maintained that Amaechi’s years in public service could not be dismissed through political rhetoric or partisan arguments, noting that the former governor had served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Eze, Amaechi’s record should be assessed objectively based on his policies, projects and contributions to public life rather than personal disagreements with political opponents.
“Whether one agrees with Amaechi politically or not, it is intellectually dishonest to suggest that 24 years in public service amount to nothing,” he stated.
He challenged Wike to allow the people of Rivers State to evaluate the records of successive administrations based on their performance in infrastructure, education, healthcare, institutional development, economic opportunities and public welfare.
Eze also expressed concern over the reported threat to stop Amaechi from campaigning in Rivers State, describing such a position, if accurately reported, as inconsistent with democratic principles and political tolerance.
He argued that no political officeholder should act as though he has the authority to determine who can participate in lawful political activities.
“Threatening to prevent a political opponent from campaigning does not demonstrate political strength; it raises questions about confidence in the democratic process,” Eze said.
He added that if Wike believed Amaechi had lost his political relevance, the appropriate response would be to allow the electorate to decide through the ballot box rather than resort to threats or attempts to exclude political opponents.
The former nPDP spokesman further argued that the reported threat could reinforce the perception that Amaechi remained a significant figure in Rivers State politics.
“Political influence is not extinguished by denunciation. If Amaechi is as irrelevant as his critics would have the public believe, why the persistent attacks and the reported determination to prevent him from campaigning?” he asked.
Eze also cautioned against the use of political patronage, inducements and temporary benefits to influence voters, insisting that Rivers residents had the constitutional right to determine their political representatives and leaders.
Commenting on political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, including activities surrounding the Rainbow Coalition, he warned that attempts to manipulate political structures for personal advantage could prove counterproductive.
He maintained that the outcome of the forthcoming elections would depend on the credibility of candidates, the strength of their programmes and the electorate’s assessment of their records.
“The politics of 2027 will not be settled by one individual, one coalition or one political structure. It will be determined by the people, the credibility of the candidates, the persuasiveness of their programmes and the electorate’s assessment of their records,” he said.
Eze urged Wike to concentrate on his responsibilities as FCT minister and allow political actors to engage freely with the electorate without intimidation or unnecessary antagonism.
He also called on Rivers residents to remain vigilant, demand accountability from political leaders and scrutinise the records of candidates seeking their support.
According to him, the state’s political future should be determined by the people rather than the personal preferences or ambitions of influential political figures.
Eze concluded that the 2027 general elections would provide an opportunity for Rivers residents to exercise their democratic rights and determine the state’s political direction.
“The future of Rivers State cannot be dictated by the loudest voice, the most powerful political structure or the most aggressive political actor. It belongs to the people,” he said.
The statement was signed by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, an ADC chieftain, media consultant, public relations strategist and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct nPDP.
