Aug 4, 2026

Wike Declares Atiku-Amaechi Ticket Dead on Arrival for Votes

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria – August 4, 2026 — Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the Atiku Abubakar–Rotimi Amaechi ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically weak, describing it as “dead on arrival” when it comes to delivering votes.

In a video statement circulating widely on Tuesday, Wike said the choice of Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate would make it even more difficult for the former Vice President to become Nigeria’s next leader.

“Ameachi being the running mate to Atiku, I have come to know that it will indeed be difficult for Atiku to become president. I’m sure the only factor that made him choose Amaechi may be financial; if it is in terms of bringing votes to support him, it is dead on arrival,” Wike stated.

Track Record Under Scrutiny

The comments build on earlier remarks Wike made in Port Harcourt, where he argued that Amaechi is “not a plus” to Atiku.

He recalled that Amaechi, as Rivers State governor, failed to produce a successor and, as director-general of presidential campaigns, could not deliver 25 per cent of the votes for Muhammadu Buhari in Rivers State.

Wike also referenced Amaechi’s past public claim that he helped mobilise against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, a statement the minister said would make it hard to market him in the South-South region.

Amaechi emerged as Atiku’s running mate after losing the ADC presidential primary to the former Vice President in May.

ADC officials have described him as an experienced leader with nationwide appeal. Wike, a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress and a strong supporter of President Bola Tinubu, has consistently questioned the electoral strength of the opposition ticket.

The exchange highlights the intensifying early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with personal histories and regional calculations already shaping the political conversation.

As the opposition continues to organise under the ADC platform, Wike’s blunt assessment underscores the challenges Atiku and Amaechi face in converting political experience into votes in critical battleground states.