Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that there will be “no retreat, no surrender” in his bid to contest the presidency in 2027.
Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, made this known in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders. He insisted that the ADC presidential primary must remain open and transparent, vowing not to step aside for any aspirant.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday, monitored in Kaduna, the former minister 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.”
Amaechi described the contest within the ADC as a healthy process that would strengthen internal democracy.
On the state of the nation, he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that Nigerians are unhappy with its policies and style of governance. According to him, the government’s appointments lacked genuine inclusion.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.
When asked whether the ADC might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said the decision rested with the party leadership, but reiterated his commitment to the race. He maintained that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants in the country, stressing that his candidacy could serve as a unifying force across Nigeria’s regions.
Although some analysts believe his political influence in Rivers State has diminished due to the dominance of his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed the notion.
“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.
