Wike mocked Amaechi over the turnout at a town hall meeting in Cross River State, claiming that fewer than 200 people attended the gathering.

The FCT minister made the remarks during his media chat on Tuesday while responding to suggestions that the emerging opposition ticket involving Atiku and Amaechi was causing concern among supporters of President Bola Tinubu.

Recounting Amaechi’s comments at the meeting, Wike said the former Rivers State governor had expressed confidence in Atiku’s chances, citing the regional origins of the major presidential contenders.

“I watched Amaechi; he had a town hall meeting in Cross River. I can tell you the numbers not up to 200 people,” Wike said.

According to Wike, Amaechi told those present that the election had effectively been decided in Atiku’s favour, based on the geographical distribution of the candidates.

“He said, ‘Atiku is from where? North. Tinubu is from where? South. Obi is from where? South. Donald Duke is from where? South. Atiku has won the election,’” Wike recounted.

The minister questioned Amaechi’s decision to make such a prediction while addressing supporters at a town hall meeting.

“How can a vice-presidential candidate go to a town hall meeting, standing and telling his supporters, ‘Do you know how this election has been won?’” he asked.

When asked whether Amaechi’s argument was based on the assumption that Atiku, as the leading northern candidate, would have an advantage over his southern rivals, Wike referred to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

“In 2023, Atiku ran, Obi ran, Tinubu ran, who won?” he asked.

Wike maintained that the 2027 presidential election would differ significantly from the previous contest.

“I’ve always told you people, 2027 will be totally different from 2023,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor maintained that the initiative was intended to strengthen support for the president rather than undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike made the remarks during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, dismissing concerns that the Rainbow Coalition could create divisions within the ruling party or pose a threat to APC governors.

He explained that the coalition was designed to unite APC members and Tinubu’s supporters from other political parties in pursuit of a common objective.

According to the minister, the president’s re-election campaign should not be limited to APC members, as Nigerians from different political backgrounds could also contribute to his bid for another term.

Wike said: “If you see that word, PBT/APC, it means those who are supporting the president who are not members of the party, together with the party, are working together to achieve that purpose.

“The major thing is Mr President. Whatever we are going to do, whoever has any idea or anything to contribute is to the success of Mr President. That is the whole thing.

“I don’t know what concerns there are. As far as I am concerned, there is no problem.”