Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi made the declaration in Kano State on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with a coalition of traders. He firmly stated he would not step down for any aspirant in the ADC primary, insisting on a transparent and competitive process.
“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,” he said.
The former minister criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians due to rising hardship. He accused the government of failing to implement inclusive policies, arguing that appointments had largely favoured only a select few close to the President.
“No one is happy under Tinubu,not even in Rivers or the South. People are suffering everywhere,” he added.
Amaechi said the issue of zoning within the ADC was up to the party’s leadership but maintained that he would stay in the race regardless of the outcome. He also positioned himself as a unifying candidate:
“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.
Responding to claims that his political influence in Rivers State had waned due to the growing power of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed the reports. He cited the large crowd that welcomed him during a recent visit to inaugurate the ADC in Rivers as proof of his strong grassroots support.
“Nobody paid for that crowd. The turnout from the airport to the venue was organic. That shows where the people stand,”.
