Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his commitment to contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting he will not step down for any other aspirant.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Amaechi stated that the contest for the ADC’s presidential ticket must be an open and transparent process. He emphasized that every aspirant has the right to vie for the party’s ticket, a competition he described as essential for fostering internal democracy.
“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027,” Amaechi was quoted as saying. “I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”
Amaechi, who served as a two-time governor and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his recent move, also positioned himself as a unifying candidate. “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.
Beyond his presidential ambition, Amaechi offered a sharp critique of the current administration’s performance. He claimed that a widespread sense of dissatisfaction exists among Nigerians regarding President Bola Tinubu’s policies and style of governance.
“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,” Amaechi remarked.
He further alleged that the president’s appointments have not demonstrated genuine inclusion, suggesting that the administration primarily favors a few close associates. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” he said.
When asked if the ADC might zone its presidential ticket to the South, similar to the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amaechi deferred to the party’s collective decision-making process. “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 concluded.
