Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has signaled his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—the newly adopted vehicle for Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition.
In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday night, Amaechi stated that he has the capacity, competence, and leadership experience required to lead Nigeria, adding that if he were president, the nation would not be grappling with the current levels of hunger, inflation, and insecurity.
“I have the capacity to rule Nigeria. I would have done better than President Bola Tinubu,” Amaechi declared during the interview.
Amaechi emphasized that the new opposition coalition has collectively agreed that all potential aspirants must first dedicate themselves to building the ADC into a formidable national platform before any formal declaration of presidential ambition.
When asked about his stance on the North-South power rotation agreement, Amaechi said he is open to serving a single term if it helps maintain the balance and unity of the country.
Earlier on Wednesday, Amaechi formally announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He disclosed that his decision came after a prolonged period of political disengagement from the ruling party.
The announcement was made at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during the official unveiling of the ADC’s interim leadership, which now serves as the political backbone of the opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
The coalition comprises prominent political figures, including:
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
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Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi
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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai
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Former Senate President David Mark
The interim leadership of the ADC has appointed David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
With the defection of high-profile politicians and the consolidation of opposition forces under the ADC, Nigeria's political landscape is gearing up for a fierce and competitive 2027 general election.
