Amaechi Declares 2027 Bid, Vows to Contest ADC Presidential Ticket

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the presidency in 2027.

Amaechi, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, spoke to journalists in Kano after meeting with a coalition of traders. He insisted the ADC presidential primary must be competitive, stressing there would be “no retreat, no surrender” in his pursuit of the ticket.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, Amaechi 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.”

The former minister maintained that open competition within the ADC would strengthen internal democracy, dismissing any calls for consensus. Turning his attention to the current administration, Amaechi criticised Tinubu’s governance style, arguing that Nigerians were unhappy with his 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.

He also faulted Tinubu’s appointments, alleging they lacked inclusivity. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.

Responding to questions about the party zoning it’s presidential candidate to a particular region, he said the decision rests with the ADC leadership, but reaffirmed his position in the race,“That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”

Positioning himself as a unifying candidate, Amaechi argued he is more prepared than other aspirants, including Tinubu.“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 asserted.