Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, says he was pushed out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.
Amaechi made the claim on Friday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television.
The former minister of transportation, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also said he would back Atiku Abubakar if he emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Amaechi exited the PDP in 2013 after he was suspended over alleged anti-party activities. He later became a leading figure in the breakaway PDP bloc that joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 elections.
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Jonathan lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, who governed from 2015 to 2023. Amaechi played a key role in Buhari’s victory.
“I was literally chased out of the PDP. The president, Goodluck, and his wife took over the political structure in Rivers State and forced me out. The same thing happened in APC,” Amaechi said.
“I won’t keep quiet in the face of injustice. Once I speak up, they start plotting to sideline me.”
Rejects Consensus, Backs Primaries
Amaechi dismissed calls for a consensus candidate within the ADC, insisting that aspirants must test their popularity through a primary election.
“If Atiku wins, I will support him, but it must be through a primary,” he said.
“I don’t agree with the consensus. Let party members decide who they want.”
He described Atiku as qualified to run for president, stressing that it is his constitutional right.
Amaechi also rejected zoning, arguing that competence should take precedence over regional considerations.
“I don’t believe in north or south. The most capable candidate should lead,” he said.
Amaechi, who contested the APC presidential primary in 2023 and came second to President Bola Tinubu, said he remains in the race for 2027.
He said Nigerians are in urgent need of leadership capable of addressing economic hardship and insecurity.
“Nigerians want someone who can solve problems, who can put food on the table and fix security,” he said.
According to him, the presidency demands energy, responsiveness, and the ability to engage with citizens across the country.
“This job requires capacity, waking up early, listening, understanding problems, and taking action,” he said.
He pointed to his record as governor, particularly in tackling insecurity in Rivers State, as evidence of his readiness.
Amaechi also criticised the current administration, warning that lack of balance in governance could fuel discontent.
“There must be fairness across ethnic, religious and economic lines,” he said.
“If things continue this way, people will grow more dissatisfied and calls for separation will increase.”
Amaechi, one of the presidential hopefuls on the ADC platform, has pledged to serve only one term if elected.
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.