Former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has reaffirmed his determination to contest for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing suggestions that he should step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi, alongside Atiku and businessman Hayatudeen Muhammed, picked up nomination forms for the ADC presidential primary following the withdrawal of other aspirants, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, the former Minister of Transportation insisted there was no arrangement for a consensus candidate within the party.
“There is nothing like consensus for now. The party leaders have not had any meeting on that. Everybody is preparing for the primary election,” Amaechi said.
He also dismissed speculation that he could accept a vice-presidential slot under any coalition arrangement.
“Please stop that. I did not buy a form to be Vice President,” he stated firmly.
Amaechi argued that Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges require experienced but energetic leadership, stressing that his years in public office have prepared him for the presidency.
The former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly noted that his experience as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Minister of Transportation gave him the administrative competence needed to lead the country.
On the issue of zoning and national inclusion, Amaechi maintained that power rotation remains necessary for national unity and political balance.
“If they have to be in Nigeria, then they must have a sense of belonging,” he said while addressing concerns from the Southeast.
His comments contrast with Atiku’s position that competence should take precedence over zoning in determining Nigeria’s next president.
Amaechi further rejected claims that the ADC had been weakened by the exit of some opposition figures, insisting the party remains a strong platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“If ADC was not strong, the government would not be focusing attention on it,” he said.
The former governor also criticised the current administration, accusing it of weakening democratic institutions and limiting the independence of governors.
“For the first time, I’m criticising governors. In our time, governors had independence. Now, they are all scared,” he said.
Amaechi alleged that federal institutions were being deployed against opposition politicians and parties ahead of the next general elections.
“The president wakes up in the morning and he’s worried about ADC. He’s fighting ADC, arresting ADC members,” he alleged.
Despite his criticisms, Amaechi said he still holds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in high regard.
“I have high regard for President Tinubu, but I do not agree with the way the country is being governed,” he stated.
He also defended his role in the formation of the APC in 2013, saying the party emerged in response to governance concerns at the time.
Amaechi expressed optimism that disagreements within the opposition coalition would eventually be resolved after party primaries and the emergence of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
