‘Lunatic Can’t Preside Over Nigeria’: Wike Fires Back at Amaechi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh verbal attack on former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a “lunatic” and questioning his suitability to govern Nigeria following his remarks about supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike also warned that Amaechi could face difficulties campaigning in Rivers State if he continued to describe people intending to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as thieves and mentally unstable.

The FCT minister made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, while speaking with journalists in Abuja after meeting chairpersons of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

The confrontation followed Amaechi’s reported remarks during a political engagement in Edo State, where he criticised Tinubu’s supporters and said that only “thieves and mad people” would vote for the President.

Reacting, Wike accused the former governor of insulting Nigerians because of their political preferences, insisting that voters should be free to support any candidate without being subjected to personal attacks.

“A lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country! A known armed robber cannot!” Wike said.

He also challenged Amaechi’s description of Tinubu’s supporters as thieves, asking whether the remark was intended to include him and other Nigerians who support the President.

Wike further launched personal attacks against Amaechi, questioning his record in public office and urging journalists to investigate projects and financial transactions undertaken during his eight-year administration as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.

Wike Threatens Opposition to Amaechi’s Rivers Campaign

The FCT minister warned that Amaechi could encounter resistance if he attempted to campaign in Rivers State while continuing to attack Tinubu’s supporters.

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“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers State. We will make it difficult for him,” Wike said.

He argued that politicians seeking public office should present their policies and programmes instead of insulting citizens who support rival candidates.

Wike also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address what he described as offensive political campaign language.

He maintained that electoral campaigns should focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including economic conditions, security, infrastructure and public accountability, rather than personal insults.

The minister’s comments came amid preparations by political parties and aspirants for the 2027 general elections, with disagreements over Tinubu’s administration and the opposition’s political strategy becoming increasingly prominent.

Wike Questions Amaechi’s Record as Rivers Governor

Beyond the exchange over Tinubu’s supporters, Wike raised questions about projects and financial transactions associated with Amaechi’s tenure as Rivers governor.

He alleged that $39 million was paid for the Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital project without the hospital being completed.

Wike also questioned a $10 million fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban company for mosquito control, arguing that the expenditure required further scrutiny.

He cited the ₦68 billion Port Harcourt monorail project, which he described as abandoned, and alleged that $308 million generated from the sale of state-owned gas turbines had been misappropriated.

The minister challenged journalists to investigate the allegations and demand explanations from the former governor.

Wike also referred to a judicial panel of inquiry and claimed that Amaechi had been indicted and subsequently lost an appeal at the Supreme Court.

However, the allegations concerning the projects, public funds and legal proceedings should be assessed against the relevant official records, inquiry findings and court judgments. Wike’s statements alone do not establish that wrongdoing occurred.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027 Elections

The latest exchange adds to the longstanding political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, two former governors of Rivers State whose political differences have continued to attract national attention.

Their disagreement also reflects the wider contest over Tinubu’s leadership and the positions being taken by opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amaechi, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been critical of Tinubu, while Wike has continued to defend the President’s supporters against what he considers unfair political attacks.

The dispute has renewed questions about the tone of political debate in Nigeria and whether public figures can challenge opponents without disparaging voters who hold different views.

While politicians have the right to criticise candidates and their records, calls for accountability are best supported by verifiable evidence and specific policy arguments.

The response from Amaechi and any subsequent reaction from INEC could provide further context to the dispute as political activities intensify ahead of the next general election.