Wike Questions Amaechi’s Suitability for Vice Presidency, Raises Allegations Over Rivers Funds

October 29, 2026 | Nigeria Politics

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has questioned former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi’s suitability for Nigeria’s vice presidency, accusing his former political rival of failing to account for public funds allegedly spent during his tenure as governor.

According to LEADERSHIP, Wike made the remarks in Port Harcourt during the unveiling and presentation of flags to candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance of political parties supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Wike challenged Amaechi to explain several transactions associated with Rivers State projects, arguing that the allegations should be considered when assessing his suitability for higher public office.

Wike’s allegations over public funds

Wike questioned the whereabouts and utilization of money he alleged was connected to projects undertaken during Amaechi’s administration, which ran from 2007 to 2015.

Among the issues he raised were:

• • Afam Power Station: Wike alleged that $308 million realized from its sale in December 2014 could not be adequately accounted for.
  • Justice Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital: He questioned expenditure reportedly associated with the proposed hospital project.
  • Fumigation project: He queried an alleged expenditure of $10 million on mosquito fumigation.
  • Monorail project: He also raised questions about spending on Rivers State’s monorail project.

The allegations were reported by LEADERSHIP and THISDAY. They represent Wike’s claims and should not, without examination of the underlying records and any relevant judicial findings, be treated as independently established proof of wrongdoing.

The dispute and its political implications

The latest remarks deepen the long-running political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, two influential figures in Rivers State politics who have taken opposing positions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Wike has used Amaechi’s record as governor to challenge his pursuit of national office. In an earlier interview reported by Channels Television in August 2026, Wike also questioned Amaechi’s political influence, citing the former governor’s role in the 2015 presidential election.

The dispute is unfolding amid political realignments and efforts by competing camps to build support ahead of the next general election.

For voters, the central questions include the records of public officials, the transparency of government spending, the status of any relevant investigations or court decisions, and the policy priorities candidates present to the electorate.

What is known about the allegations?

Wike has referred to a judicial commission of inquiry and subsequent court proceedings concerning the power-plant transaction. Voice of Nigeria reported that the commission investigated the transaction and that challenges to its report were dismissed at multiple judicial levels. The precise scope and legal effect of those proceedings should be established from the underlying judgments before drawing further conclusions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), meanwhile, has previously criticized Wike’s attacks on Amaechi, arguing that allegations should be supported by evidence and addressed through appropriate legal channels.

The broader political question is whether the debate will focus on documented records of governance and accountability or continue primarily through exchanges between political rivals.

Note: Nigerians deserve verifiable information about public spending and a fair opportunity to assess the records, policies and promises of those seeking elected office. Allegations, judicial findings and proven criminal liability must be distinguished clearly in public reporting.

Sources:

• • LEADERSHIP Newspaper - Original report
  • THISDAY - Report on Wike’s allegations
  • Voice of Nigeria - Background on the power-plant transaction