…Says He Won’t Step Down for Anyone
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Kano State after a meeting with a coalition of traders.
The former Minister of Transportation vowed that he would not withdraw for any other aspirant in the party’s primary election.
“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 declared.
Amaechi emphasized that the ADC must allow an open contest, stressing that internal democracy was crucial to strengthening the party.
He also criticized the Bola Tinubu administration, insisting that Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with its policies and that hardship was widespread across the nation.
“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,” Amaechi said.
On the issue of political appointments, Amaechi argued that the present administration had failed to reflect genuine inclusion, alleging that only a few individuals close to the President had been rewarded, while many across different regions were left dissatisfied.
When asked about the possibility of zoning within the ADC, the former governor said the decision ultimately rested with the party leadership but insisted that he would remain in the race regardless of the outcome.
Amaechi 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.
Responding to suggestions that his political base in Rivers State had weakened due to the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed the 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 said.
