After the 2023 APC primaries, Asiwaju visited Rotimi Amaechi at his residence and pleaded for his support.

 

However, in Amaechi's mind, he was unhappy with the outcome of the party primaries, especially concerning Osinbajo. Both Amaechi and Osinbajo belonged to two different power blocs within the Aso Rock cabal and felt disappointed by how Asiwaju outsmarted them all. They were also dismayed that President Buhari left the contest open without endorsing any candidate.

Amaechi had trusted that he would use Nasir El-Rufai as his running mate if he had emerged as the party's flag bearer. However, his fallout with Hadiza Bala Usman complicated matters for him.

A second coalition of Aso Rock cabals soon emerged. They believed that Godwin Emefiele’s monetary policy could be used to stop Asiwaju. Amaechi aligned himself with this group, but El-Rufai pulled back, fully aware that both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi were not viable alternatives for him.

Nyesom Wike saw a loophole in the strained relationship between Asiwaju and Amaechi and took advantage of it, bridging the gap through the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Amaechi became increasingly isolated after losing his influence in the presidency, while Wike rose to prominence and became the “beautiful bride.”

Do I envy Wike? No. He is playing his game.

Do I envy Amaechi? No. Age is still on his side. He benefited greatly under President Buhari.

Posted As Received