Wike Urges INEC: Sanction Amaechi Over Tinubu Remarks

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged INEC to sanction politicians for personal attacks, specifically criticizing Rotimi Amaechi's remarks.
• African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi suggested that only "thieves" or "mad men" would vote for President Bola Tinubu.
• Wike expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission had not yet publicly addressed Amaechi's comments.
• The minister warned Amaechi might face campaign difficulties in Rivers State if he continues making such statements.
• Wike also challenged the media to investigate alleged financial improprieties during Amaechi's past tenure as Rivers State governor.

He stressed the importance of politicians being held accountable for their campaign rhetoric, cautioning that such personal attacks could escalate political tensions as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take disciplinary action against political figures who resort to personal attacks rather than engaging in issue-based campaign discussions. This plea follows critical comments made by Rotimi Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, directed at President Bola Tinubu and his supporters. Wike emphasized that political discourse should center on candidates' programs and policies, not on insults or character assassination, highlighting a growing Nyesom Wike Rotimi Amaechi dispute over campaign ethics.

Minister Wike issued a stern warning that Amaechi might face significant obstacles campaigning in Rivers State should he persist with such remarks. The minister's statements were made in Abuja on Friday, subsequent to a private meeting with the chairmen of the six area councils and various security operatives. During this same engagement, Wike also issued directives to the Department of Development Control and security agencies, instructing them to dismantle unauthorized beer parlours and other illegal commercial operations within parts of the FCT.

Amaechi's controversial statements were delivered during a town hall meeting held in Edo State on Thursday. There, he reportedly urged attendees to reject President Tinubu and instead support the opposition party in the upcoming elections. His remarks included the assertion, "They are going about saying ‘Vote Tinubu! Vote Tinubu!’ Only thieves can vote for Tinubu. In fact, I read a comment on social media where someone said, ‘It’s in 2027 that we will know how many mad men we have in Nigeria."

Reacting to these comments, which implied that Tinubu's voters were either "thieves or mad," Minister Wike expressed considerable disappointment that INEC had not yet publicly addressed the issue. He highlighted that numerous Nigerians have previously urged INEC to sanction political parties and candidates who incite the public or introduce non-issue-based matters into their campaigns, underscoring the need for INEC sanction political attacks Nigeria. Wike questioned why the electoral body, exercising its Independent National Electoral Commission powers, had not, to date, called or drawn attention to the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding these specific remarks. He stressed the importance of politicians being held accountable for their campaign rhetoric, cautioning that such personal attacks could escalate political tensions as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections, thereby impacting Nigeria electoral campaign rules and 2027 general elections campaign ethics.

Beyond the immediate call for sanctions, Minister Wike also challenged the media to investigate allegations concerning projects executed during Amaechi's tenure as governor of Rivers State. He specifically cited a monorail project, a cassava flour mill, a fumigation contract, and the sale of a state-owned gas turbine as areas requiring scrutiny. Wike raised questions about the reported expenditure of $10 million on a fumigation contract awarded to a Cuban company, the N68 billion monorail project, and the $308 million transaction involving a gas turbine.

The minister further alleged that Amaechi had been indicted by a judicial panel of inquiry and called upon him to provide explanations regarding the outcome of those proceedings. Reaffirming his earlier warning, Wike reiterated that if Amaechi continues to attack Tinubu and his supporters, he could encounter significant difficulties campaigning within Rivers State. Wike underscored that such conduct would not be tolerated, suggesting that politicians should instead focus on presenting their programs and policies to the electorate.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates in Nigeria must closely monitor campaign rhetoric, as calls for INEC to sanction personal attacks highlight potential regulatory enforcement risks. Compliance officers should ensure campaign messaging adheres to electoral guidelines to avoid penalties and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper