Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed growing speculation that he might abandon his 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking in Kano after a closed-door meeting with a coalition of traders, the former Minister of Transportation made it clear that he would not step aside for any aspirant in the ADC.
Instead, he stressed that only a transparent primary election would determine the party’s flagbearer.
“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 told journalists and the BBC Hausa Service.
Amaechi took the opportunity to assess Nigeria’s political climate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, Nigerians across regions are disillusioned with the administration’s 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 said.
He further argued that Tinubu’s approach to governance has deepened exclusion.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.
On the possibility of the ADC zoning its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi remained cautious, saying:
“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.”
He maintained that his candidacy represents unity, not division.
“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,” Amaechi added.
Moreover, Amaechi’s stance signals that the ADC could become a surprise platform in 2027, shaking the dominance of the APC and PDP.
