Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has confirmed his intention to contest the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi made the declaration on Wednesday in Kano State after a closed-door meeting with a coalition of traders. He insisted that he would not step aside for any aspirant and expressed confidence in winning the party’s ticket.
“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,” Amaechi said.
The former minister urged the ADC leadership to guarantee internal democracy, arguing that an open contest would strengthen the party’s credibility.
Amaechi also took aim at the Bola Tinubu administration, saying its policies have worsened the hardship faced by Nigerians.
"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 stated.
On appointments, Amaechi faulted the federal government for failing to reflect genuine national inclusion, alleging that only a few individuals close to the President had benefited.
When asked about the possibility of zoning within the ADC, Amaechi said the decision was for the party leadership to make, but stressed that zoning would not deter his ambition.
“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.
Dismissing suggestions that his political influence in Rivers State had declined due to the rising profile of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi said the recent inauguration of the ADC in Rivers was proof of his continued relevance.
“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.
Leave a Reply