The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has told the Minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike that he has no legal or moral right to stop the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi from campaigning in the state.

The party was reacting to a comment credited to the Minister that he would stop Amaechi to campaign in Rivers except he accounts for some alleged misappropriated funds.

Wike, who also faulted Amaechi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu, and for describing those willing to vote for him in 2027 as thieves and mentally unstable, challenged Amaechi to explain $39 cassava mill and N68bn monorail projects,

But the ADC in a statement by the publicity secretary in Rivers, Barr Chizy Eneyi urged Wike to provide the evidence of the alleged financial crime against Amaechi, questioning why he has not sought his prosecution despite serving as governor for eight years of Rivers State for eight years.

The statement reads: “We find it rather amusing that a man who served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi and subsequently as a Minister under the same political administration now speaks as though he has only just discovered who Amaechi is.

“Eight years as Governor, yet the evidence apparently only comes out whenever Amaechi speaks. What an extraordinary coincidence!

“We would remind the Honourable Minister that television studios are not courtrooms, political insults are not evidence, and shouting allegations into microphones does not amount to securing a conviction”.

The party noted that if Wike has evidence, “let him present it to the appropriate authorities. Nigerians deserve facts, not another episode of political name-calling”.

The party described Wike’s warning that Amaechi would find it difficult to campaign in Rivers State as needless, noting that “Amaechi does not require Wike’s permission to visit, campaign or seek the votes of Rivers people.”

“…Since when did Rivers State become a private estate requiring the permission of Nyesom Wike before citizens can exercise their constitutional rights?

“Let us remind the Minister that Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not to any individual, however powerful he imagines himself to be.

“We consider this statement particularly troubling given the history of political intimidation and attacks on opposition activities in our state. We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to take note of the Minister’s remarks and ensure that the constitutional rights and safety of all political actors are protected.

“We also find it curious that a Minister entrusted with the administration of the Federal Capital Territory appears to devote so much energy to monitoring the political activities of one man” the statement said.

The party also wondered if Wike’s principal assignment is administering Abuja or supervising Amaechi’s political career, adding that the minister should understand that personal abuse is not a substitute for political debate, and the volume of an accusation does not determine its truth.

The statement added: “We are focused on presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative, restoring accountable leadership and ensuring that Rivers people can freely choose their leaders without fear.

“If Amaechi is as politically irrelevant as his detractors would have Nigerians believe, why does every statement he makes appear to require an emergency response from Wike?

“Sometimes, the loudest response is the clearest admission that the message has hit home”.

“…Rivers State is not anybody’s inheritance. Democracy is not a private franchise. And no Minister holds the licence to determine who may or may not campaign in Rivers State”.