Amaechi Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Boasts He Can Defeat Tinubu on ADC Ticket

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amaechi, who made the announcement in a video interview tagged ‘Weekend Politics’ and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, expressed confidence in defeating incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he secures the ADC ticket.

“I tell you, I’ve not had an election against Tinubu. I know Tinubu very well. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know that if I am allowed to fly the flag of ADC, I will defeat Tinubu for sure,” Amaechi declared.

The former minister, who served in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, stated that his decision to run on the ADC platform stemmed from his belief that Nigeria needs a break from the ruling political establishment. He promised sweeping constitutional reforms and an aggressive anti-corruption agenda if elected.

Denies Election Rigging, Challenges Political Opponents

Amaechi used the platform to strongly deny ever participating in election rigging, challenging any Nigerian to produce evidence to the contrary. He revealed that despite being offered roles in the All Progressives Congress (APC) election planning committees, he consistently declined to serve, citing the nature of discussions he found unacceptable.

“I challenge any politician, living or dead, to come forward and say I was part of rigging. In fact, all the appointments given to me by APC to join election planning committees, I have refused to participate. There was no one I participated in. Why? Because I know what they discuss,” he said.

He alleged that election manipulation in Nigeria often involves state governors and the diversion of public funds through government agencies. According to him, influential figures in the political class frequently use such illicit funds to influence electoral outcomes. “They will bring governors. They will go to government agencies and get money, but the rest, I don’t want to say it until I win primaries,” he stated.

Ameachi Admits Obi’s Victory in Rivers, Criticises INEC Leadership

In a rare admission, Amaechi acknowledged that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi won in Rivers State during the 2023 elections, though the official results indicated otherwise. “I would agree to an extent that Peter Obi won in Rivers State, but unfortunately, the result that came out was different. How it happened, I have no idea,” he noted.

The former governor spared no criticism for the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as the worst in Nigeria’s history. “The worst INEC chairman in the history of Nigeria is Mahmood Yakubu,” Amaechi declared, accusing the electoral body of presiding over compromised elections.

He further alleged that some influential figures in Nigeria frequently visited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to “steal money,” lamenting that such resources could have been channelled into improving security and revitalising the economy.

Bold Policy Pledges: From Constitutional Reforms to Subsidy Management

Amaechi made bold promises about his prospective presidency, vowing to change the constitution within one month of taking office. His proposed reform would replace the current indigeneship system with a citizenship-based framework aimed at fostering national unity.

“If I do not end corruption in Nigeria within one month, I will tender my resignation,” he vowed, adding that his administration would prioritise the direct distribution of public resources to Nigerians.

On the contentious issue of fuel subsidy, Amaechi made it clear he would not reverse its removal. Instead, he promised to redirect the freed-up funds directly into the pockets of citizens, rather than allowing the elite to benefit disproportionately. “I will not reverse the removal of subsidies. I will instead direct the funds into the pockets of Nigerians, not the elite,” he said.

Throws Down Gauntlet to Wike, Claims Popular Support

Amaechi also used the occasion to challenge the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and his political rival, Nyesom Wike, to test his popularity in Rivers State. He dared Wike to take a walk along the streets of Port Harcourt to gauge the people’s genuine affection.

“I challenge the present FCT minister, Wike, to take a walk along the streets of Port Harcourt, which will reveal who is healthy and who the people actually love,” Amaechi said.

This latest declaration marks a new chapter in the ongoing political rivalry between the two former Rivers governors, both of whom wield significant influence in the state. With Amaechi’s formal entrance into the 2027 race, Nigeria’s political landscape appears set for another round of intense political battles.