Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation, made the announcement on Wednesday, August 27, in Kano State after meeting with a coalition of traders.
He ruled out stepping down for any aspirant in the party’s primary, stressing that his ambition was firm and driven by the need for change.
“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so I can face Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” Amaechi said.
The former governor emphasized that the ADC must embrace internal democracy, noting that an open and transparent contest would strengthen the party ahead of 2027.
Amaechi also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that Nigerians are growing increasingly dissatisfied with its policies.
According to him, hardship and suffering have spread across the country, leaving citizens disillusioned.
“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is clear 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 added.
He further accused the government of excluding many Nigerians from political appointments, insisting that only individuals close to the President have been rewarded, while other regions remain sidelined.
On the issue of zoning within the ADC, Amaechi said the matter would be decided by party leadership but maintained that his name would remain on the ballot.
He also described himself as one of the most prepared and qualified contenders for the presidency.
“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, who is better prepared than I am? My candidacy represents unity because I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with any region,” he argued.
Addressing speculations that his political base in Rivers State had weakened due to the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed such claims.
He pointed to the massive crowd that welcomed him during the inauguration of the ADC in Rivers as evidence of his continued support.
“When I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid for that mobilisation. That should tell you where the people stand,” he said.
With his declaration, Amaechi has positioned himself as one of the strongest voices in the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, setting the stage for what could become a major political showdown with Tinubu.