Welcome

Tag: Rotimi Amaechi

  • ADC Picks Amaechi as Atiku’s Running Mate for 2027 Election

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    The announcement was made on Monday by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said Amaechi’s emergence followed consultations with party leaders, coalition partners and stakeholders across the country.

    ADC Explains Amaechi’s Selection

    According to the party, Amaechi’s selection was influenced by his performance in the ADC presidential primary, where he emerged as runner-up, as well as his experience in public service.

    The party noted that his record as former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor and former Minister of Transportation makes him a strong complement to Atiku’s candidacy.

    Abdullahi said the partnership brings together two politicians with extensive experience in governance and national politics.

    Party Describes Ticket as National Alliance

    ADC described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a national alliance aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

    According to the statement, Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and across southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s reach ahead of the election.

    The party also argued that the combination of both leaders offers experience in governance, public administration and coalition building.

    Focus on 2027 Election

    ADC said the ticket represents its effort to provide Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    The party expressed confidence that the partnership would energise its supporters and strengthen its campaign across the country.

    It also called on party members, coalition partners, youth groups, women organisations and other stakeholders to support its plans for the next general election.

  • Atiku Visits Amaechi After Winning ADC Presidential Ticket

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday visited former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence, hours after emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election.

    Atiku was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and other party leaders during the visit.

    Visit Comes After ADC Primary Victory

    The meeting followed the conclusion of the ADC presidential primary held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where Atiku defeated Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to secure the party’s ticket.

    According to results announced by the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.

    Former Senate President David Mark, who currently leads the party, later presented the ADC flag to Atiku after his victory was confirmed.

    ADC Rejects Consensus Arrangement

    The ADC had earlier adopted the direct primary option after the three aspirants reportedly declined calls for a consensus candidate ahead of the exercise.

    The primary election attracted attention amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Despite the contest, Atiku’s visit to Amaechi appeared to signal efforts toward unity within the opposition party after the primary process.

    Atiku Speaks On Meeting

    In a post shared on his X handle after the visit, Atiku disclosed that both leaders discussed the current challenges facing the country, including insecurity and economic hardship.

    “This afternoon, I visited my brother and compatriot, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence,” Atiku wrote.

    “Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair.”

    Birthday Banter And Arsenal Joke

    Atiku also revealed that he used the opportunity to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday and joked about Arsenal’s recent success.

    “I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits,” he added.

    The former vice president further joked that Amaechi apologised for not preparing Fisherman Soup before the visit.

    The development comes as opposition parties intensify consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.

  • Atiku, Amaechi Battle For ADC Presidential Ticket As Primaries Hold Nationwide

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have participated in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress amid growing internal rivalry over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

    The exercise, which took place simultaneously across 8,809 wards nationwide, comes as opposition figures intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Atiku Casts Vote In Adamawa

    Atiku disclosed through his X account that he voted at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.

    The former presidential candidate described the exercise as a demonstration of democracy and a major step towards rebuilding Nigeria.

    “This is democracy at work. The election taking place simultaneously in 8,809 wards in Nigeria is a major step in our quest to recover our beloved country and set it on the path of prosperity,” Atiku wrote.

    Amaechi Votes In Rivers

    Amaechi also participated in the exercise from his hometown in Ubima community, Rivers State.

    A video shared by ADC Vanguard showed the former Minister of Transportation arriving at the polling venue to cast his vote.

    The latest development further highlights the growing power struggle within the ADC coalition as several opposition leaders seek control of the party ahead of the next presidential election.

    Amaechi Targets Atiku’s Electability

    Amaechi recently stated during an interview on Trust TV that Atiku could lose the ADC presidential primary despite his long history of winning party tickets.

    According to him, the major issue before delegates should be electability rather than how many primaries a candidate has won in the past.

    “I listened when they said former Vice President said he never failed primary before. I hope this will be the first time he will fail primary,” Amaechi said.

    “But that’s not even the issue. The issue is that at all times that you have passed primary, you have not won election. So it’s about electability.”

    The former governor also questioned what Atiku still had to offer Nigerians after several presidential attempts.

    ADC Crisis Deepens

    The ADC had earlier postponed its presidential screening exercise following disagreements among stakeholders over moves to adopt a consensus candidate.

    The internal disagreements reportedly involve Atiku, Amaechi, and former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    The party has recently emerged as a platform attracting opposition politicians seeking to challenge Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

     

  • Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

    Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

    The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

    “Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

    Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

    “If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

    He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

    “All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

    Federal character under scrutiny

    The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

    He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

    “If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

    Linking insecurity to unemployment

    Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

    “If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

    “You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

    Call for merit-based leadership

    He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

    Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

  • Amaechi Joins 2027 Presidential Race as Ex-Rivers Governor Picks ADC Nomination Form

    Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has officially entered the 2027 presidential race after obtaining the nomination form of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, disclosed that the form was purchased on his behalf on Friday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

    Oyegun Leads Form Collection

    The nomination form was obtained by former Edo State Governor and senior ADC chieftain, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    ADC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Atiku Mohammed, presented the forms to representatives of the former Rivers governor during the exercise in Abuja.

    With the move, Amaechi has now become the second aspirant to formally join the ADC presidential contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    ADC Presidential Race Expands

    Businessman and politician Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had earlier secured both the expression of interest and nomination forms, becoming the first aspirant in the race.

    Amaechi’s entry is expected to further intensify political discussions within the opposition party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

    Party Crisis and Defections

    The ADC has recently battled internal leadership crises and several court cases, creating uncertainty within the party.

    The crisis reportedly contributed to the exit of some notable politicians, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who later moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

    However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi insisted that the defections were planned long before the party’s internal disputes escalated.

    ADC Speaks on 2027 Elections

    Despite the lingering legal battles and internal wrangling, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark has assured party members that the party would participate fully in the 2027 general elections.

    Amaechi’s latest move now places him among the early political figures positioning ahead of what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential election cycle in Nigeria.