The political rivalry between Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi has flared up again — and this time, it’s over a call for mass revolt.
On Friday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, publicly took aim at his longtime political opponent and predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, daring him to lead the uprising he’s been calling for against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, had appeared on Channels Television’sPolitics Today on Thursday night where he criticized the Tinubu administration and urged Nigerians to “revolt.”
But Wike wasn’t having it.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada, Abuja — a project commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima — Wike used the opportunity to clap back.
Without mincing words, Wike reminded Nigerians that he had already politically “defeated” Amaechi — not once, but twice — in Rivers State.
“In 2015, I defeated a sitting, powerful governor who tried to impose his own successor. In 2019, I faced a so-called super minister — borrowing money from China left and right — and he couldn’t even deliver 20% for the president in our state. I beat him again,” Wike said.
Then, turning directly to Amaechi’s call for revolt, Wike threw down the gauntlet:
“You that is calling Nigerians to come out and revolt, come and start from Rivers State. Come with your children — don’t leave them in London while you push poor people to the streets.”
He continued, “If you really mean it, come lead the protest yourself. Let’s face each other. Let’s see how serious you are.”
Wike’s fiery comments reignite one of Nigeria’s most notorious political feuds — a long-standing battle between two former governors of Rivers State, now sitting on opposite ends of the national power spectrum.
While Amaechi has positioned himself as a bold voice in opposition, Wike remains a key figure within Tinubu’s cabinet — often unapologetic in his defense of the administration.
With tensions now escalating again, all eyes will be on Rivers State — and whether this war of words turns into something much more dramatic.
