Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his determination to vie for the presidency in 2027, declaring there will be “no retreat, no surrender” in his bid for the party’s ticket.
Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, spoke in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders.
He maintained that the ADC presidential primary must be competitive and transparent, adding that he would not step down for any aspirant.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna on Thursday, 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. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”
The former minister emphasised that every aspirant had the right to seek the ticket, describing such competition as vital for internal democracy.
Amaechi also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians were dissatisfied with his policies and style of governance.
“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 alleged that Tinubu’s appointments had failed to reflect genuine inclusion.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi claimed.
On the possibility of the ADC zoning its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said the decision rests with the party.
“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 said.
Amaechi argued that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants in Nigeria, positioning himself as a unifying candidate.
“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.
Though some observers believe Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers has waned due to the dominance of his long-time 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 said.
