During a News Central TV interview, the Niche Newspaper's Publisher, Ikechukwu Amaechi, conjectured that Wike's appointment by President Tinubu was motivated by his standing as a key member of the G5 governors and his track record of winning elections in Rivers State—even if by dubious methods.
Citing claims from international media outlets like the BBC, he called the 2023 election in Rivers State the most rigged in Nigeria.
He attacked Wike for his attempts to dominate the election process, such as buying candidate forms and impeding other political parties' efforts to run their campaigns, which are contrary to democratic ideals.
In his words, "Why I think President Bola Tinubu appointed Wike was the role he played with G5 governors and the magic he did in Rivers State. Let's be real, the election in Rivers State in 2023 was the most rigged in this country, and it is on records."
"Even foreign reporters, the BBC, and others had a very good analysis of what happened in Rivers State. Even if we don't go by any other reports, this man (Wike) said he bought forms for everybody and made sure that all of them won the election."