Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that there will be “no retreat, no surrender” in his quest.
Amaechi made the declaration in Kano on Thursday after a meeting with a coalition of traders in the state. He stressed that the ADC presidential primary must be open and transparent, making it clear that he would not step aside for any aspirant.
“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,” he told reporters.
The former governor emphasized that internal party democracy was vital and that every aspirant had the right to seek the party’s ticket, describing the competition as healthy for the ADC’s growth.
Speaking on the state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi delivered a sharp critique of the administration’s policies, arguing that Nigerians across the country were frustrated and dissatisfied.
“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,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi’s declaration is expected to intensify political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the ADC positions itself as a potential third-force platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
