AMAECHI HAS NO CHANCE IN IKWERRE, RIVERS — DIKE

A Port Harcourt-based lawyer and political commentator, Mr Princewill Dike, has declared that Ikwerre Local Government Area and, indeed, Rivers State, would be a difficult political terrain for former Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Dike made the assertion when he spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend, assessing the emerging political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, Mr Amaechi was fully aware of the political realities in Ikwerre LGA and Rivers State, and should not expect an easy victory in the state during the next general elections.

The philanthropist argued that Mr Amaechi’s previous political influence and access to federal structures did not translate into electoral victory in Rivers State, asking what would be different in 2027 when, in his view, the political equation has significantly changed.

Mr Dike, a human rights activist, maintained that the emergence of former Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has altered the political calculations, particularly with regard to federal influence and political structures.

He rhetorically asked whether Mr Amaechi, who, according to him, could not secure victory despite enjoying considerable federal backing in the past, would now be able to defeat the political structure associated with Chief Wike.

The lawyer said the development has made Ikwerre Local Government Area a particularly challenging political territory for Mr Amaechi, insisting that the political realities on the ground should not be underestimated by anyone planning for 2027.

Mr Dike further predicted the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while expressing confidence in the prospects of the political coalition in Rivers State.

He specifically stated that the coalition in Rivers State, under the watch of the FCT Minister, would emerge victorious in their respective political contests.

Using a biblical expression, Mr Dike said he had carefully examined the unfolding political situation and has reached his conclusion on the likely outcome of the 2027 elections.

“Amaechi who couldn’t win with his federal might, battalion of soldiers and INEC in his beck and call, is it now that the political wonder boy of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is in charge of the federal might and everything incidental thereto that he will win? Abeg, tell me something else jare?

“What seest thou? I see P-BAT re-elected, OK Chinda and all the Rivers coalition candidates elected. And my Lord said: Thou seest well. I shall confirm thy word,” he said.

He declared that the political tide in Rivers State was already taking shape, adding that the strength of the emerging alliances and political structures would determine the eventual outcome of the elections.

By: King Onunwor