The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi of looting the state’s treasury and allegedly using public funds to buy houses for young women.
Wike made the allegations on Friday, October 9, 2026, while criticising Amaechi over comments attributed to the former governor about President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians who support his re-election bid.
Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, reportedly said at a town hall meeting in Benin City, Edo State, that only “mad people” and “thieves” would vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting, Wike challenged Amaechi to defend his record in office, questioning his moral authority to describe the President’s supporters as thieves.
“Because I have said I am going to vote for Tinubu, and he has said all those who want to vote for him are thieves, so I am a thief? That’s what he has said,” Wike said.
“But who can be a bigger thief than Amaechi? This is someone who stood on the treasury of a state and looted it and wasted it, buying houses for young girls all over the place. Let him come and challenge me if it is not correct.”
Wike Raises Questions Over Amaechi’s Record
The FCT minister also accused Amaechi of failing to account for funds allegedly spent on projects during his eight-year tenure as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015.
Wike alleged that $39 million was spent on a project that did not exist and questioned the reported sale of a state-owned gas company for $380 million.
He did not provide documentary evidence for the allegations in the remarks cited in the reports.
Wike also criticised the ADC for its choice of political leaders, saying the party should not expect someone he described as a “lunatic” to manage the country’s affairs.
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“If you want someone to turn Nigeria good, then it’s unfortunate for ADC to think that a lunatic can. A lunatic cannot decide the affairs of this country. A known armed robber cannot,” he said.
Amaechi has not been quoted in the reports reviewed responding directly to Wike’s latest allegations concerning the alleged purchase of houses for young women.
Wike Warns Amaechi Over Rivers Campaign
Wike further warned that Amaechi’s remarks about Tinubu’s supporters could make campaigning difficult for him in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election.
“If you continue on this line, it will be difficult for you to campaign in Rivers State. We will not take that. We will not,” he said.
The minister also condemned the use of derogatory labels against voters and political opponents, questioning why a candidate seeking national office would describe supporters of another candidate as thieves or mentally ill.
The exchange adds to the growing political confrontation between the two former Rivers State governors as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
