By Opeyemi Adelakun
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported threat to prevent the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, from campaigning in Rivers State.
The party maintained that Wike had no legal or moral authority to restrict Amaechi’s political activities, insisting that Rivers State did not belong to any individual and that opposition candidates were entitled to seek voters’ support.
The ADC’s position was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chizy Eneyi, in response to comments attributed to Wike on Saturday.
Wike was reported to have said he would not allow Amaechi to campaign in the state unless he accounted for alleged misappropriated funds.
Reacting, the ADC said it would ordinarily have ignored what it described as political theatrics but considered a response necessary because the remarks involved allegations and threats against an opposition candidate.
“When a serving Minister abandons reasoned political engagement for personal insults, unsubstantiated allegations and threats against an opposition candidate, silence becomes inappropriate,” the party said.
The party also questioned why Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State for eight years, had not pursued the allegations through the appropriate legal channels if he possessed evidence of wrongdoing.
“Eight years as governor, yet the evidence apparently only comes out whenever Amaechi speaks. What an extraordinary coincidence!” the statement added.
The ADC argued that public accusations did not constitute proof of wrongdoing, urging Wike to submit any evidence he might have to the relevant authorities.
“Television studios are not courtrooms, political insults are not evidence, and shouting allegations into microphones does not amount to securing a conviction,” the party said.
ADC raises concerns over campaign safety
The opposition party described Wike’s reported warning against Amaechi’s campaign as troubling, arguing that no public official had the authority to determine whether a political candidate could campaign in the state.
“Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not to any individual, however powerful he imagines himself to be,” the statement said.
It added that neither Amaechi nor the ADC required Wike’s permission to visit the state, campaign or seek votes from residents.
The party also urged security agencies to take note of the minister’s remarks and ensure the safety of political actors, citing concerns about alleged intimidation and attacks on opposition activities in Rivers State.
The ADC further questioned Wike’s involvement in Amaechi’s political activities, suggesting that the minister should concentrate on his responsibilities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The party said it was focused on presenting Nigerians with an alternative political platform, promoting accountable leadership and ensuring that voters could choose their leaders without fear.
It concluded that Rivers State was not anyone’s inheritance and that no minister had the authority to determine which candidates could campaign there.
Wike’s reported comments and the ADC’s response add to the political tension surrounding Amaechi’s activities in his home state. The allegations of financial misconduct remain claims that would require substantiation through the appropriate legal process.
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