Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi made the announcement on Wednesday in Kano while addressing journalists after a meeting with a coalition of traders.
The former governor vowed not to step aside for any aspirant in the ADC’s primary, insisting that internal democracy must prevail.
“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 criticised the current administration, saying Nigerians were disillusioned with President Bola Tinubu’s policies. According to him, hardship is 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 added.
The former minister also faulted federal appointments, alleging that only a few close allies of the President had benefitted, while genuine national inclusion had been ignored.
On the issue of zoning within the ADC, Amaechi said the decision was for the party leadership to make, but stressed that he would remain in the race regardless.
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He described himself as one of the most qualified contenders for the presidency.
“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 declared.
Responding to claims that his political base in Rivers State had weakened due to the growing influence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed such suggestions.
“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.