Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that his experience in governance and infrastructure development equips him to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Speaking on Channels Television, Amaechi said his decision to run is driven by a deep understanding of the country’s problems and confidence in his ability to solve them.
“I don’t care who else is running. I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem, and I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he said.
The former governor of Rivers State pointed to projects executed during his time in office, particularly in rail transportation and port development, as evidence of his capacity. He added that he also made efforts to address insecurity while serving in government.
Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying economic conditions have worsened and citizens are facing growing hardship.
“Everybody is suffering; everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, can’t travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of transportation; everything is skyrocketing,” he said.
He added, “For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak, he doesn’t. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out.”
Amaechi also alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties and called for stronger institutional independence, particularly for the electoral body and the judiciary.
“Whether free, fair or not free, if we are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. The problem is he does not want a strong candidate on the ballot,” he added.
On party politics, he called for a transparent primary election within the ADC, rejecting any move to impose a consensus candidate. He stressed that leadership should emerge through a credible process rather than backroom arrangements.
Speaking on the possible emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flag bearer, Amaechi said he would support him if he wins a fair primary, insisting that no aspirant should be handed the ticket without due process.
He dismissed arguments around North–South power rotation, emphasising competence over regional considerations. According to him, Nigeria needs a leader with the capacity and energy to tackle its challenges.
Amaechi also cautioned Nigerians against voting based on religion or ethnicity, arguing that economic realities affect all citizens equally.
“Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Christians or Muslims. The market does not know that. The market understands just one language, Naira and Kobo,” he said.
He noted rising costs of fuel, transportation, and basic commodities, stressing that leadership should prioritise economic improvement and citizens’ welfare over identity politics.
Amaechi is among several prominent figures positioning for the 2027 presidential race, alongside names such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential election for January 16, 2027, with party primaries expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
