Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform, insisting he will not step down for any aspirant.

Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, made the declaration in Kano after a meeting with a coalition of traders. He stressed that the ADC presidential primary must be open and competitive, adding that only the people should decide the party’s flag bearer.

Speaking later in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, the former minister 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 described the contest within the ADC as a healthy sign of internal democracy, arguing that every aspirant had the right to test their popularity.

On the state of the nation, he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying Nigerians were disillusioned.

“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.

The former governor also accused Tinubu of skewed appointments. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected,” Amaechi alleged.

On whether the ADC might zone its presidential ticket, Amaechi said: “That is a party decision. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”

He further maintained that he was among the most qualified aspirants. “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 stated.

Dismissing claims that his political influence in Rivers had waned due to his long-time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi said his recent visit to the state proved otherwise.

“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.