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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders. He vowed not to step down for any aspirant during the party’s primary, insisting that internal democracy must prevail.
“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 former Governor criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as disconnected from the plight of Nigerians. He noted that hardship and dissatisfaction were widespread across the country.
“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 stated.
Amaechi further accused the administration of nepotism in political appointments, alleging that only a few individuals close to the president had been rewarded, leaving many regions underrepresented.
On the issue of zoning within the ADC, Amaechi said the decision rested with the party leadership but stressed that he would remain in the race regardless of any arrangement.
He also positioned himself as one of the most prepared contenders for the nation’s top job.
“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 argued.
Responding to claims that his political base in Rivers State had weakened due to the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed such suggestions.
“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.
Amaechi had previously contested the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a race ultimately won by President Bola Tinubu. Following his defeat, he gradually distanced himself from the ruling party before officially defecting to the ADC.
Political observers say his entry into the ADC sets the stage for a potential showdown with opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, should Atiku also declare his ambition. Whether Amaechi can outmuscle him in the opposition camp, however, remains to be seen.
Skeptics argue that the ADC is a relatively weak and hastily structured party, lacking the political machinery to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections. But party leaders and supporters insist that Nigerians, disillusioned with the Tinubu administration, will embrace the ADC as an alternative platform to unseat the ruling APC.
The months ahead, analysts say, will reveal whether the ADC can rise above the odds and position itself as a formidable challenger in the next electoral cycle.