By Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
Former Rivers State Governor and chiegetain of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the ADC, vowing there will be โno retreat, no surrenderโ in his quest.
The former Minister of Transportation firmly stated that he would not be stepping down for any other aspirant and insisted that the partyโs primary election must be an open and fair process.
Amaechi made his declaration during an interaction with journalists in Kano after holding a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state.
He later reiterated his position in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, which was monitored in Kaduna. โI will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by Godโs grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027,โ Amaechi stated with resolve. He emphasised the importance of internal democracy, adding, โI am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.โ
The former minister maintained that every aspirant within the party had an equal right to seek the ticket, describing such competition as healthy for the partyโs democratic foundations.
His comments followed ongoing discussions within the ADC and other parties regarding the zoning of presidential tickets.
When questioned on whether the ADC would zone its presidential ticket to the South, similar to the APC and PDP, Amaechi noted that it was a decision for the party to make. โThat 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,โ he said.
Amaechi was highly critical of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that Nigerians across the nation were deeply dissatisfied. โWhether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certainโtime 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,โ he alleged.
He further criticised the Presidentโs appointment record, arguing that it lacked genuine inclusion and had left even members of Tinubuโs own Yoruba ethnic group feeling neglected. โEven among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,โ Amaechi claimed.
Asserting his own suitability for the nationโs highest office, Amaechi presented himself as a unifying and highly qualified candidate. โIf 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,โ he asserted.
Some political observers have suggested that Amaechiโs influence in his home state of Rivers has waned due to the political dominance of his long-time rival, the current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
However, Amaechi dismissed these claims outright. He pointed to a recent visit to Rivers State to inaugurate the ADC as evidence of his enduring support. โRecently, 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,โ he added.
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