Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has publicly challenged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to a test of popularity by walking together from Abuja to Port Harcourt without security escorts. Amaechi, speaking in a Thursday interview, expressed frustration over what he perceives as disrespect from Wike, reminding him of their political history: “I don’t know why he doesn’t respect people like us; I am older. I brought him up in politics. Who is he?” He dared Wike to join him on the walk “no police, no army, just the two of us” to prove who holds greater public support.
This challenge comes amid escalating tensions between the two political heavyweights, who have a longstanding rivalry dating back to their time in Rivers State politics. Amaechi’s bold statement underscores the deepening divide within the Nigerian political elite.
The confrontation coincides with Amaechi’s recent resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he confirmed he finalized on Tuesday night. Amaechi cited irreconcilable differences with the APC’s direction and expressed profound dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s current state. He described the country as “completely destroyed,” with soaring inflation and widespread hunger, accusing both the APC-led federal government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conspiring to manipulate the upcoming 2027 elections.
Amaechi lamented, “People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak.” He also revealed that he had long disengaged from APC activities, warning the party not to invite him to meetings and expressing surprise that he was never expelled despite his disengagement.
Beyond leaving the APC, Amaechi emphasized that his political mission transcends party politics. “It’s not about changing the government. It’s about changing Nigeria,” he said, calling for a movement that empowers Nigerians to take control of governance themselves.
His departure from the APC and challenge to Wike highlight the intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, signaling a potential reshaping of Nigeria’s political dynamics as former allies become rivals in the quest for influence and leadership.