A Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he would contest the 2027 presidential election on the coalition platform of the African Democratic Congress.
Stating this on Wednesday while speaking to journalists in Kano State after a meeting with a coalition of traders, Amaechi vowed not to step down for any aspirant in the party’s primary election.
He said; “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.”
The former Minister of Transportation further emphasized that the ADC must conduct an open contest, adding that internal democracy would strengthen the party.
However, Amaechi acknowledged that it was in the place of the ADC party leadership to decide on the party zoning while he maintained that he would remain in the race regardless of the outcome.
He described himself as one of the most qualified contenders in the country. “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,” he added.
On president Tinubu’s administration, Amaechi said Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies. He noted that hardship was biting hard across the country.
He argued that the government had not reflected genuine inclusion in political appointments. He alleged that only a few individuals close to the President had been rewarded, leaving many others across regions dissatisfied
“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. People are suffering everywhere,” he said.
Addressing claims that Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike had influenced the weakening of his political base in Rivers, Amaechi said it was false.
He added; “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.”
