Former Minister of Transportation and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, vowing that there would be “no retreat, no surrender” in his ambition.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, made the declaration during an interaction with journalists in Kano, shortly after meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Friday, he stated that he would contest the ADC presidential primary with hopes of emerging as 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 said.
The ADC chieftain stressed that the race for the party’s ticket would be open to all aspirants, describing it as healthy for internal democracy. He, however, criticized the current administration, insisting that Nigerians were disillusioned under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“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,” he stated.
Amaechi accused the President of excluding many groups in his appointments, saying, “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected.”
On zoning, the former minister said he would abide by the decision of the ADC, but insisted he was in the race regardless of the outcome. “That is a party’s 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 said.
Highlighting his qualifications, Amaechi argued that he was better prepared than other aspirants, including President Tinubu. “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 added.
The former governor pointed to his recent visit to Rivers State to inaugurate the ADC as evidence of his popularity, claiming the massive turnout was spontaneous and without financial inducement.
