By Our Reporter
Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that there will be “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest.
Speaking in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders, the former Rivers State governor told journalists that he would not step down for any aspirant. His stance was further reinforced in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna.
“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 declared.
The ADC chieftain emphasised that the race for the party’s ticket was healthy for democracy, stressing that every aspirant had the right to contest.
Turning his attention to the state of the nation, Amaechi launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that Nigerians were weary of the government’s performance.
“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. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.
On Tinubu’s style of appointments, Amaechi faulted the president for excluding even his own people.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” he alleged.
Asked about the possibility of the ADC zoning its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said the party would take a collective decision, but made it clear that he was in the race.
“That is a party’s 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 said.
Amaechi further boasted of his qualifications, arguing that none of the leading contenders matched his experience.
“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,” he added.
He recalled his recent visit to Rivers State where he inaugurated the ADC, noting that the support was overwhelming.
“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,” Amaechi said.
