Amaechi Says He Won’t Step Down In ADC, Vows To Challenge Tinubu In 2027

Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has ruled out stepping down for any aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, declaring that he is ready to face President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if he secures the party’s ticket.

Speaking with journalists in Kano on Wednesday, the former minister of transportation said only the people should decide the outcome of the 2027 polls, not political deals.

“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 said.

Amaechi argued that his political experience and regional appeal give him an edge over other contenders, including the president. According to him, his candidacy represents unity because the South is not in conflict with any region.

He also dismissed suggestions that his influence in Rivers State has been eroded by his successor and current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike. “When I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid for mobilisation. That should tell you where the people stand,” he said.

Amaechi criticised the Tinubu administration, insisting Nigerians are weary and seeking change. “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. People are suffering everywhere,” he stated.

Amaechi resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July, saying he never believed in Tinubu’s capacity to govern. Earlier this month, he declared that he would defeat the president in 2027 if chosen as the ADC’s flagbearer.

His fresh remarks come shortly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also announced interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform.