2027 Election: "I Will Not Step Down For Anyone," Amaechi Declares, Gives Reasons
- Former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi vowed not to step down, insisting on an open ADC presidential primary to challenge Tinubu
- He accused the administration of poor policies, exclusionary appointments, and worsening hardship across Nigeria
- Amaechi said zoning is for the party to decide but maintained he is among the most qualified aspirants, citing strong grassroots support
Kaduna state - The former governor of Rivers stated, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he would not shelve his political ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who spoke during an interaction with journalists in Kano, declared “no retreat, no surrender."
Source: Twitter
Amaechi demands 'open' ADC primary election
Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Thursday, Amaechi said,
“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,” Amaechi declared.
The former minister maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.
Amaechi tackles Tinubu over state of economy
On the state of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi criticised the administration, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with its policies and governance style, Vanguard reported.
“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,” he said.
According to him, Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.
Amaechi speaks on 2027 zoning in ADC
Source: Facebook
Responding to questions on whether the ADC, like the APC and PDP, might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said:
“That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”
Amaechi further argued that he remained one of the most qualified aspirants across the country.
“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity,” he asserted.
Although some political observers believe Amaechi’s influence in Rivers politics has waned due to the dominance of his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the former governor dismissed such claims, Daily Trust reported.
“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he added.
Peter Obi urged to leave Labour Party
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the New Democratic Frontiers (NDF), explained why Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, should dump his party ahead of the 2027 election.
He explained that the ruling APC is working to ensure all political parties in Nigeria are unable to field in a candidate that will challenge President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 election.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
