By Emmanuel Kwada
In a fiery exchange on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 4, 2025, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, took a swipe at his predecessor and political rival, Rotimi Amaechi, asserting that their backgrounds are worlds apart.
Wike, in a candid one-on-one interview with Seun Okinbaloye, revealed that he hails from a privileged family, contrasting sharply with Amaechi’s upbringing.
“I have a Rolls-Royce; nobody gave it to me. I bought it. I didn’t come from the same background as Amaechi. As a student, I was using a Mercedes Benz. My father was a general manager for many companies,” Wike declared, emphasizing his affluent roots.
The remarks came amid an ongoing war of words between Wike and Amaechi, both former governors of Rivers State, who have been locked in a bitter political rivalry for over a decade.
The latest salvo was triggered by Amaechi’s appearance on the same program a day earlier, where he challenged Wike to a popularity contest, suggesting they walk from Abuja to Port Harcourt without security to prove who commands more public support.
I have a Rolls-Royce; nobody gave it to me. I bought it. I didn’t come from the same background as Amaechi
Amaechi also claimed he brought Wike into politics and questioned why Wike does not accord him respect, citing their age difference and shared history.
Responding to Amaechi’s comments, Wike dismissed the notion that he owes his political rise to the former Transportation Minister. “You should be respected by your integrity, honour, and not because you are 200 years old,” Wike retorted, addressing Amaechi’s claim of mentorship. He further taunted Amaechi, recalling his electoral victories over him in Rivers State in 2015, 2019, and 2023, and vowed to defeat him again in 2027 if given the chance.
You should be respected by your integrity, honour, and not because you are 200 years old
Wike’s comments about his privileged background were part of a broader defense of his achievements and political clout. He highlighted his family’s wealth, noting his father’s role as a general manager in multiple companies, which afforded him a lifestyle that included driving a Mercedes Benz during his university days.
This statement appeared aimed at underscoring his independence and success, distancing himself from Amaechi’s narrative of political patronage.
As a student, I was using a Mercedes Benz. My father was a general manager for many companies
The FCT Minister also used the platform to address the opposition coalition led by Amaechi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and others under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Wike described the coalition as a group of “failed politicians” and challenged their claims that Nigerians are dissatisfied with Tinubu’s administration.
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, such as the recently commissioned Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road in Gwagwalada, as evidence of progress under Tinubu.
Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, also weighed in, dismissing Amaechi’s popularity challenge as the antics of a “hungry man” seeking relevance. Olayinka urged Amaechi to wait until 2027 to test his political strength against Wike, predicting another defeat.
The public feud between Wike and Amaechi continues to captivate Nigeria’s political landscape, with both men leveraging their platforms to assert dominance in Rivers State and beyond. As the 2027 elections loom, their rivalry is expected to intensify, with implications for the broader political dynamics in the country.
