The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised opposition figures participating in protests demanding real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing their actions as political grandstanding.
Wike specifically called out former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of attempting to manipulate public sentiment through what he termed a staged appearance.
Newsmen reports that Amaechi, alongside other prominent politicians including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined demonstrators advocating for electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking on Tuesday at a Distinguished Personality Lecture held at the University of Abuja, the FCT Minister took a swipe at Amaechi’s participation in the protest, particularly his decision to attend with his son, said to be a medical doctor.
According to Wike, Amaechi claimed he brought his son along to provide medical assistance to protesters in the event of injuries. However, the minister questioned the preparedness of such a gesture.
“Amaechi said he came with his son, who is a medical doctor, to treat anyone who might be injured. But where was the ambulance? Where was the medical equipment? You cannot treat people with empty hands,” Wike stated.
He described the move as a deliberate attempt to evoke public sympathy, insisting that genuine leadership demands concrete action rather than what he characterised as “theatrical displays” aimed at influencing young Nigerians.
The debate over electronic transmission of election results continues to generate reactions from political stakeholders across the country.
