By Rafiyat Sadiq
Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has vowed not to withdraw from the party’s presidential primary, insisting that he remains the most qualified aspirant to face President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, made the declaration in Kano after meeting with a coalition of traders.
He said the ADC ticket must be contested in an open primary, ruling out any arrangement that would compel him to step aside.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the former minister declared, “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.”
RELATED STORIES:
- Wike Suffering From ‘Amaechicanism’- APC Chieftain
- Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Will Remain United After Presidential Ticket – ADC
Amaechi described the contest within the party as healthy for democracy, stressing that every aspirant had the right to vie for the ticket.
On the state of the nation, the former governor criticised the Tinubu administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its performance.
“Whether the government wants 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.
Amaechi also faulted Tinubu’s appointments, accusing the president of excluding large sections of the country.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” he alleged.
On zoning, Amaechi maintained that he would respect the ADC’s decision but emphasised his determination to run.
“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 stated.
He argued that his candidacy offered unity, saying, “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.”
Responding to suggestions that his political influence in Rivers State had diminished due to the dominance of his rival, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed the claims.
“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 had earlier boasted that only he knows President Tinubu’s weaknesses and could defeat him in the 2027 presidential election.
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.
