I Don’t Respond To My Subordinates, Wike Never Hired Me — Amaechi

The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying he does not respond to “subordinates.”

Amaechi made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television while reacting to Wike’s claim that the ADC vice-presidential candidate was chosen by the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, because of money.

Wike had made the allegation during his monthly media chat in Abuja earlier on Tuesday.

Asked to respond to the minister’s comments, Amaechi declined, insisting that Wike was not on the same political level as him.

“I’ve told you several times, I don’t respond to my subordinates,” Amaechi said.

When reminded that both men had served as governors and ministers, Amaechi maintained his position, stressing that Wike never employed or appointed him.

“He never hired me,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor avoided engaging further with Wike’s allegation, urging the interviewer to remain focused on the reason for his appearance on the programme.

“Please stop that. Focus on why I’m here. I’m here to discuss my faith. Don’t take me to politics,” he said.

Amaechi added that he was currently observing the mourning period following the death of his mother and was not prepared to engage in political exchanges.

He, however, hinted that he would respond to political attacks when the election campaign officially gathers momentum.

“By the time we finish mourning and we go into campaign, anybody who insults me, I will respond. You will get me when I’m ready. I’m not ready now,” he stated.

According to Amaechi, his appearance on the television programme was solely to address what he described as the Presidency’s disrespectful response to comments made by leaders of the Catholic Church after their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

“What brought me here is simply to say, for me to leave the mourning of my mother to come out and say to the world, please ask Mr President to stop insulting the Catholic Church, to stop insulting Christians. That’s enough,” he said.

Amaechi’s remarks come amid growing political exchanges between key opposition figures and members of the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.