Again, the former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting he will not step down for any aspirant.
Speaking with journalists in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders, Amaechi maintained that the ADC’s presidential primary must be open and transparent, adding that he is confident of securing the party’s ticket.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, the former governor stated:
“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead them.”
‘Nigerians Are Tired’
Amaechi took a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying most Nigerians are disillusioned by its policies.
“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain: time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.
READ ALSO: Amaechi Sets Sights on 2027, Claims Top Qualifications
The former minister also accused the president of favouring a few close associates in his appointments.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” he alleged.
ADC’s Zoning Plan
Asked if the ADC would zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said the decision rests with the party leadership.
“That is a party decision. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race,” he said.
Amaechi further described himself as one of the most qualified aspirants, boasting of his national acceptability.
“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity,” he said.
‘My Influence in Rivers Intact’
Reacting to claims that his political influence in Rivers State has dwindled due to the dominance of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed the notion as false.
“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he said.
Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation between 2015 and 2022, was a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) before joining the ADC.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
