Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has openly expressed deep frustration and disappointment over what he described as repeated acts of disrespect from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Amaechi questioned why Wike, despite their long and intertwined political history, continues to show him no regard or gratitude for the role he played in his rise to prominence.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Amaechi challenged Wike to prove his popularity and true grassroots support by embarking on a symbolic journey alongside him from Abuja to Port Harcourt without the protection of any security detail, including police escorts or military guards. He argued that such a public walk would demonstrate who truly has the people's backing and who is simply hiding behind the power of office.
“Let the Minister of the FCT come, let’s take a walk from the airport to Port Harcourt — no police, no army, nothing, just the two of us,” Amaechi boldly declared. “I don’t know why he doesn’t respect people like us. I am older than him, and I was the one who brought him up politically. Who exactly does he think he is?” he questioned with visible irritation.
Amaechi also used the platform to criticize the Nigerian opposition for paying too much attention to Wike rather than focusing on educating Nigerians about the importance of the upcoming 2027 general elections. He stressed that this election should not be seen merely as a contest between political parties but rather as a fight between the ordinary people and what he described as President Tinubu’s ruling government.
“If the opposition continues to focus on him, we will be distracted from our main goal, which is to make Nigerians understand that the 2027 election is not about party names — there’s no PDP, no APC, no ADC, no ADA, nothing. It is simply a contest between the Nigerian people and Tinubu’s administration,” he emphasized strongly.
During the interview, Amaechi also addressed his decision to remain silent throughout the public dispute between Wike and the recently suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. According to him, his silence was strategic, and he believed it was unnecessary to interfere when the eventual outcome would expose the weaknesses and failures of those involved.
“Why should I intervene? Did you not see how it ended? Aren’t you impressed by the fact that at the end of the day, someone surrendered?” Amaechi stated. “Ultimately, it became clear to everyone that looting and corruption were taking place within that government,” he concluded, hinting at deeper issues in the Rivers State administration.
Amaechi also used the interview to confirm that he has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He revealed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman earlier in the week, signaling a significant shift in his political journey and future plans.
“Yes, I did. I think it was on Tuesday,” he said. “I instructed one of my staff from my village to deliver the letter to the ward chairman informing him of my decision to leave the party — if there’s even still a party called APC, by the way,” he added sarcastically, suggesting his disillusionment with the party.
The deep-rooted rivalry between Amaechi and Wike has been a major topic of political discussions for several years. Once close allies who worked hand in hand to shape the politics of Rivers State, their relationship turned sour, leading to a prolonged and bitter feud that continues to capture national attention.
Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State for eight years before Wike took over in 2015. After completing his two terms as governor, Wike was later appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Tinubu in 2023, further boosting his political profile at the national level.
The verbal clashes between the two politicians intensified recently, especially when Amaechi, during his 60th birthday celebration, openly declared that he was “hungry” and expressed his willingness to join the opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar to challenge and potentially unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
In response, Wike ridiculed Amaechi’s remarks, accusing him of being driven by desperation for power rather than genuine hunger or concern for the people. Wike described Amaechi’s birthday comments as inappropriate and misleading, accusing him of distorting facts on a day meant for personal reflection and celebration.
“I don’t know why a man would choose his 60th birthday to tell lies. It’s truly unfortunate. Of all occasions, on your 60th birthday when people are supposed to be celebrating you?” Wike stated during an event in Abuja on June 2.
Wike further accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, highlighting his extensive political career and privileged positions. According to Wike, Amaechi never complained about hunger during his many years in power, which included serving as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, and as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.
“He was Speaker from 1999 to 2007, and he was the most pampered Speaker. Then he became governor from 2007 to 2015, eight years as Speaker, eight years as governor, and he never mentioned hunger. Afterwards, he served as a ‘super’ Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023. While borrowing massive amounts of money for various projects, he never spoke of hunger,” Wike stated, questioning the sincerity of Amaechi’s recent narrative.