Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he will participate in the 2027 presidential race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), assuring supporters that he will not withdraw for any aspirant.
Speaking to reporters in Kano State on Wednesday after meeting a coalition of traders, Amaechi stressed that the ADC must embrace openness and 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. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” he announced.
Amaechi also criticized the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that hardship had become the daily reality of Nigerians. “Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. People are suffering everywhere,” he said.
He faulted the current political appointments, accusing the administration of rewarding only close allies of the President while leaving other regions marginalized.
When asked about zoning in the ADC, he explained that the party leadership would decide but insisted he would remain in the contest irrespective of their verdict.
On his political strength in Rivers, amid suggestions that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike had overshadowed him, Amaechi dismissed such claims. “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 remarked.
He further portrayed himself as one of the most competent aspirants in the country, stating, “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.”
Frontpagenews.ng reports that Amaechi’s open declaration could alter the dynamics within the opposition space as the 2027 presidential elections draw closer.
