2027: Amaechi Rules Out Stepping Down, Reaffirms Presidential Ambition
Former Minister of Transportation and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has insisted that nothing will stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election under the ADC platform.
Amaechi, who is also a former governor of Rivers State, made the declaration during an interaction with journalists in Kano after meeting with a coalition of traders. He also spoke in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored by Hobnob News in Kaduna, where he boldly stated:
“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 ADC stalwart maintained that every aspirant had the right to seek the party’s ticket, describing the contest as a healthy process for internal democracy.
On Tinubu’s Government
Amaechi criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration, saying Nigerians across regions were dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.
“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 in Rivers, not in the South, and not in the North. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” Amaechi said.
He further faulted Tinubu’s appointments, arguing that they lacked genuine inclusiveness. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” he added.
On Zoning and His Chances
Asked whether the ADC might zone its presidential ticket, Amaechi said: “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 stressed that he remained one of the most prepared aspirants. “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.”
Amaechi also pointed to his grassroots support base. “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.
