Wike Urges INEC to Act Against Amaechi for Inciting Comments

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asked the Independent Electoral Commission to take action against Rotimi Amaechi. Wike described Amaechi's recent statements as "irresponsible and inciting."

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Amaechi, the vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the comments on Thursday in Benin City during a town hall meeting. He said that only mad people and thieves would vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

"I read on social media that it is only in 2027 that we will know how many mad men we have in Nigeria. Only a mad man can vote for Tinubu.

"If you are not a mad man, then Tinubu should not win here," Amaechi was quoted as saying.

Wike responded by speaking to journalists after meeting with FCT area council chairmen and heads of security agencies in Abuja on Friday. He said such statements should not be ignored.

He expressed disappointment that INEC had not acted on what he called the inflammatory comments made by the former Minister of Transportation.

"Up till now, I have not heard that INEC has been able to call the attention of Amaechi.

"All of us watched on television yesterday when he said it’s only thieves that can vote for President Tinubu, and that only mad people will go and vote for Tinubu, and that if Edo people vote for him, it means the people are mad," he said.

Wike condemned Amaechi's remarks, saying they are unacceptable for someone aspiring to national leadership.

"This is supposedly a vice presidential candidate of a political party seeking to take over power and preside over the affairs of this country. Not just an ordinary politician - a vice presidential candidate - telling voters and telling Nigerians that only thieves and mad people will vote for President Tinubu.

"If he continues along this line, it will be difficult for him to campaign in Rivers. We will make it difficult for him.

"You cannot sit down, call voters madmen and thieves, and expect to walk away free," he said.

The minister also raised concern about the growing trend of personal insults and public incitement in political campaigns.

He urged INEC to enforce electoral laws strictly and hold candidates accountable for their actions.

"You see, one problem we have in this country is that agencies or commissions should be able to take their functions seriously.

"Many Nigerians have called on INEC to sanction political parties, candidates or politicians who incite the public or raise issues that are not based on real problems.

"We have been told to go on campaigns based on issues - what are you going to do for the people - not on attacking personalities or insulting individuals," he said.

Wike also criticized media organizations for not holding political candidates accountable when they make derogatory remarks instead of discussing important policy issues.

Both Wike and Amaechi are former governors of Rivers State.