The Rivers State chapter of the APC has asserted that Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has experienced a significant decline in his political support base, losing over 70% of his followers in the state. Eric Nwibani, the Secretary of the State APC Caretaker Committee, made these remarks during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Nwibani referenced Amaechi's electoral setbacks from 2015 to 2023 despite his stature as a former "super minister" and two-time Director General of Buhari's Presidential Campaigns. He responded to Amaechi's earlier criticism, where the latter implied that those who defected to work with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, did so out of desperation due to hunger.
Contrary to Amaechi's insinuation, Nwibani defended those aligning with Wike, stating they are not motivated by hunger or desperation. He commended Wike's performance as FCT minister under President Tinubu's administration, emphasizing his deserving support.
In critiquing Amaechi's leadership, Nwibani remarked, "You cannot run a party aground and lose three consecutive elections due to ineffective leadership qualities and expect people to still follow you." He highlighted the futility of expecting continued loyalty after such electoral setbacks.
Nwibani also addressed Amaechi's departure from the PDP to APC in 2014, contrasting it with Amaechi's current bitterness following his electoral defeat against President Tinubu in 2023. He questioned Amaechi's stance given his own political history.
Overall, the APC's statements reflect a firm stance on Amaechi's waning political influence in Rivers State, juxtaposed with their support for figures like Wike who they believe deserve recognition for their contributions.