Amaechi Speaks on Running in 2027 Election, Shares What He Will Do If He Fails to Get ADC Ticket
- Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has reaffirmed his presidential ambitions for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria
- The former APC chieftain criticised President Bola Tinubu's government for abandoning democratic principles and drifting towards authoritarianism
- Amaechi emphasised his political experience, claiming it strengthens his candidacy within the opposition ADC
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the presidency in the 2027 elections.
The former minister of transportation stated this in an interview on Frontline, a current affairs program on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, on Tuesday, February 17, which was monitored by Legit.ng.
Source: Twitter
Amaechi outlines 2027 election plans
Amaechi maintained that open competition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would strengthen internal democracy.
He said:
“If I lose the primaries, I will be in the ADC. It is not about me; it is about installing a responsible government. But would I get the ticket? I think the answer is yes. I am the youngest of the three of us; I am 60. I don’t know how old Obi is, but I guess he should between 64 and 66. I am able to jump around. I am able to fly to wherever I need to fly to now.”
Amaechi added:
“I am the most experienced of all the candidates in the ADC: I was speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, minister of transportation. And I led a campaign for the first time in the history of Nigeria that took out the sitting president. Nobody wants to credit me with that.”
Source: Facebook
Amaechi tackles Tinubu's govt
Furthermore, Amaechi alleged that the President Bola Tinubu administration has failed Nigerians by allegedly abandoning democratic ideals, drifting towards authoritarianism, and reportedly deploying state institutions to suppress dissent.
Amaechi stated that his decision to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) was rooted in principle, not personal grudge.
He said:
“The truth is simple. I did not agree with the choice of the presidential candidate. I did not believe he had the capacity to govern Nigeria. And I still do not believe so. What is happening today has only confirmed my position. If I believe that someone lacks capacity, how then do I remain in the same party supporting that leadership?
“That would make me dishonest. I had worked closely with him, so I knew exactly what I was talking about. Nigerians may not have had the opportunity to work with him closely, but I did. That experience shaped my judgment.”
He added, according to Blueprint.ng:
"Tinubu preached democracy, but today, what we are seeing is autocracy. Security agencies are being used to intimidate critics and opposition figures.”
You can listen to a snapshot of the interview below via Facebook:
Read more on Rotimi Amaechi:
- Why Peter Obi, Atiku, other ADC leaders did not follow El-Rufai to EFCC, Reno Omokri explains
- Tax Act 2025: Tinubu’s govt responds to Amaechi’s claim of 25% levy on building materials
Amaechi on ADC's potential struggle
Legit.ng earlier reported that Amaechi warned that the ADC may find it difficult to convince many voters in southern Nigeria if it fields a northern presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi explained that the party must be strategic in picking its flagbearer, noting that zoning sentiments and the current power rotation arrangement could significantly shape voter behaviour, especially in the South.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
