Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) stalwart, Rotimi Amaechi, has emphatically stated his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election under the ADC banner, declaring “no retreat, no surrender” in his pursuit.
Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, spoke to journalists in Kano following a meeting with a coalition of traders. He stressed the necessity of an open ADC primary and asserted that he would not back down or step aside for any other aspirant.
In a BBC Hausa Service interview monitored in Kaduna, Amaechi 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.” He added, “I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”
Describing the primary contest as a healthy exercise in internal party democracy, the former minister emphasized that all candidates had an equal right to vie for the ticket.
Amaechi also criticised the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming widespread dissatisfaction with its policies. “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 said.
He further accused Tinubu’s government of failing to reflect genuine inclusiveness in its appointments. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while most remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.
When asked about the possibility of zoning the ADC presidential ticket to the South, similar to the APC and PDP practices, Amaechi said, “That is a party 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.”
Claiming to be one of the most qualified presidential aspirants nationwide, Amaechi argued, “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.”
Addressing reports that his influence in Rivers politics has diminished due to the rising dominance of his longtime rival and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed such notions. “Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he said.
