Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he will not step down from his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, said he will participate fully in the party’s presidential primary election. According to him, the process must be open and fair.
Speaking with journalists in Kano and during an interview with BBC Hausa, he stated: “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face President Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”
The former minister also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Nigerians are not happy with the way the country is being run. He accused the government of implementing poor policies, making appointments that exclude many groups, and worsening the economic hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
Amaechi explained that even within the South-West, many Yoruba people feel left out of Tinubu’s government. He argued that the president only rewards a few close allies while neglecting the wider population.
On the issue of zoning within the ADC, he said the decision belongs to the party leadership. However, he stressed that he remains one of the most qualified aspirants in the country. “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am?” he asked.
The former governor concluded by saying that his candidacy represents unity across Nigeria, saying he enjoys support in the South, East, and North. “My candidacy offers unity. I am in the race, and I will not step down for anyone,” he insisted.
