2027: We’ll make it difficult for Amaechi to campaign in Rivers if…Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction opposition figures over inflammatory campaign rhetoric.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Wike criticized recent remarks made by African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi during a town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State. Amaechi had asserted that only individuals lacking sanity or integrity would support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Expressing disappointment over perceived regulatory inaction, The Cable

reported Wike as saying, “Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call the attention of Amaechi… You cannot sit down, call voters madmen and thieves, and expect to walk away free.”“If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will make it difficult for him.

Wike also warned that such rhetoric would complicate campaign efforts in regions like Rivers State, urging stricter enforcement of non-issue-based campaign rules.