By Emmanuel Kwada
The former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has vowed to contest the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary for the 2027 elections, insisting he will not step aside for any rival aspirant.
Speaking to journalists after a courtesy meeting with a coalition of traders in Kano on Wednesday, the ADC chieftain positioned himself as the ideal candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing his preparedness and the widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Amaechi, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC earlier this year amid internal party rifts, declared, “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 stressed the need for an open and transparent primary process, arguing that internal democracy within the party would strengthen its appeal and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to the ruling APC. “Every aspirant has the right to seek the ticket; this contest is vital for party health,” he added during the interview with BBC Hausa Service, monitored by Vanguard and other outlets.
The declaration comes amid heightened speculation about the 2027 race, with the ADC emerging as a potential third force in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, especially following the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recent zoning of its ticket to the South.
Every aspirant has the right to seek the ticket; this contest is vital for party health
Amaechi, hailing from the South-South, addressed zoning concerns by deferring to party leadership: “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 touted his credentials, asserting, “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 did not hold back in his critique of Tinubu’s government, painting a picture of national discontent amid economic hardships, insecurity, and perceived exclusion. “Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up.
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
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 accused the administration of failing to deliver genuine inclusion, alleging, “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected.”
Dismissing rumors of waning influence in his home state of Rivers—where his long-time rival, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, holds sway—Amaechi pointed to recent grassroots support. “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 boasted. Earlier in the day, Amaechi paid a condolence visit to the family of late business mogul Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata in Kano, underscoring his efforts to build northern alliances.
Amaechi’s move injects fresh energy into the ADC, a party positioning itself as a coalition alternative amid PDP’s southern zoning and APC’s dominance. Political analysts see it as a high-stakes gamble: success could unify southern opposition votes, but failure risks further fragmentation.
As primaries approach, Amaechi’s “no surrender” stance signals a fierce battle ahead, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape.
