By Elizabeth Godwin
Former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has formally reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi made this declaration on Wednesday in Kano State while addressing journalists after a meeting with a coalition of traders.
The former governor was emphatic that he would not withdraw from the race for any aspirant within the party, stressing that the ADC must embrace internal democracy to remain credible. “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 asserted.
He urged the party leadership to ensure a transparent and competitive process, noting that such openness would not only strengthen the ADC but also boost its standing before Nigerians ahead of the general elections.
Amaechi also used the occasion to criticize the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying its policies had left many citizens in distress. He argued that the level of hardship currently being experienced across the country was unprecedented. “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. People are suffering everywhere,” he remarked.
The former minister’s declaration in Kano, a state often regarded as a critical battleground in national politics, has further fueled speculation about his strategy to build grassroots support ahead of the ADC primaries. His bold stance also signals what could be a heated contest both within the party and against the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
