On Friday in Abuja, [Nyesom Wike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyesom_Wike), the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, warned that former Minister of Transportation [Rotimi Amaechi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotimi_Amaechi), who is serving as the vice‑presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside presidential hopeful [Atiku Abubakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiku_Abubakar), could encounter serious difficulties campaigning in Rivers State if he persists in attacking President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu) and his supporters.
**What prompted Wike's warning?**
Wike made the remarks after meeting the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT, responding to televised comments attributed to Amaechi in which he allegedly said only “thieves and mad people” would vote for Tinubu. "If he continues this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will not take that," Wike asserted.
**Which statements did Amaechi allegedly make?**
According to Wike, Amaechi’s broadcast also singled out Edo people, claiming that if they voted for Tinubu they were “mad”. The former minister’s remarks, Wike said, were aired on television the previous day and were aimed at discrediting the president’s supporters rather than addressing policy issues.
**What role should INEC play?**
Wike called on the Independent National Electoral Commission ([INEC](https://inecnigeria.org/)) to sanction politicians who engage in personality attacks instead of issue‑based campaigning. He argued that the electoral body and other commissions must take their responsibilities seriously and act against candidates who incite the public with non‑substantive rhetoric.
**What projects did Wike demand Amaechi account for?**
Wike challenged Amaechi to explain the whereabouts of several initiatives allegedly launched during his tenure as Rivers governor: a $39 million cassava‑flour mill, a $10 million contract with a Cuban firm for mosquito‑control fumigation, a N68 billion monorail project, and a $308 million gas‑turbine sale. He further accused Amaechi of looting the treasury and reminded listeners of the former governor’s indictment by a Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which he unsuccessfully contested up to the Supreme Court.
**What is the broader implication?**
Wike’s statements signal that the FCT administration will closely monitor political activities in Rivers State and may cooperate with security agencies to ensure that campaign conduct aligns with electoral regulations, especially when candidates resort to inflammatory language.