Former Transport Minister rules out stepping down, says Nigerians are tired of current leadership
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ruling out any possibility of stepping aside for another aspirant.
Amaechi, who spoke to journalists in Kano shortly after a meeting with a coalition of traders, maintained that his decision was final, stressing that the ADC must allow a free and transparent 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 said in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna.
The former minister, who served between 2015 and 2022, argued that his candidacy represents a unifying force in the country. According to him, the 2027 presidential contest should be open to all aspirants in the ADC, as such competition strengthens internal democracy.
Amaechi was unsparing in his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying Nigerians across regions were dissatisfied with its governance style. “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 declared.
He further alleged that Tinubu’s appointments lacked genuine inclusivity. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi said.
On the debate over zoning within the ADC, Amaechi noted that the decision rests with the party leadership but reiterated his commitment to the race. “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,” he insisted.
Positioning himself as one of the most experienced aspirants, Amaechi asked Nigerians to compare his record with that of President Tinubu and other contenders. “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,” he said confidently.
While political analysts have argued that Amaechi’s influence in Rivers State has diminished due to the growing dominance of his rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the former governor dismissed such claims. “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 stated.
Amaechi’s bold declaration marks a significant turn in the build-up to the 2027 elections, setting the stage for a fierce political contest within the ADC and potentially against the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu.
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