Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
Amaechi made this known on Wednesday while speaking to journalists in Kano State after a meeting with a coalition of traders.
The former Minister of Transportation vowed not to step down for any aspirant in the party’s primary election.
“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,” he said.
Amaechi stressed that the ADC must conduct an open contest, adding that internal democracy would strengthen the party.
He also took a swipe at the Bola Tinubu administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies. According to him, hardship was biting hard across the country.
“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. People are suffering everywhere,” he said.
On political appointments, Amaechi argued that the government had not reflected genuine inclusion. He alleged that only a few individuals close to the President had been rewarded, leaving many others across regions dissatisfied.
When asked about the possibility of zoning in the ADC, the former governor said the decision rested with the party leadership but maintained that he would remain in the race regardless of the outcome.
Amaechi described himself as one of the most qualified contenders in the country. “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, who is better prepared than I am? My candidacy offers unity because I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with any region,” he added.
On suggestions that his political base in Rivers had weakened due to the influence of Federal Capital Territory 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 for that mobilisation. That should tell you where the people stand,” he said.
