ADC hits Wike over threats to Amaechi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments threatening Rotimi Amaechi, the party's vice-presidential candidate, with a ban on campaigning in Rivers State. Wike made these remarks during a news briefing in Abuja, warning that Amaechi might not be allowed to campaign in the oil-rich state if he continued to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his supporters.

The ADC accused Wike of abusing his position as a minister to make personal insults, unsubstantiated allegations, and threats against the opposition candidate. The party emphasized that if a serving minister resorts to such tactics, silence becomes inappropriate. The ADC questioned why Wike, who once served as Amaechi's Chief of Staff, now speaks as if he is unaware of Amaechi's history with the state.

The party also challenged Wike to present any evidence of the alleged crimes he now accuses Amaechi of, given that he had eight years as governor of the state to gather such evidence. The ADC stressed that Rivers State belongs to the people, not to any individual, and that political insults are not evidence of wrongdoing. The party called on the relevant security agencies to take note of Wike's remarks and protect the constitutional rights and safety of all political actors.