Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his ambition to contest the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting he is not stepping down for any candidate, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Amaechi stated that there is currently no consensus arrangement within the party and emphasized that all aspirants are preparing for a competitive primary election.
He also ruled out the possibility of accepting a vice-presidential position, stressing that his participation in the race is strictly for the presidential ticket.
The former Minister of Transportation argued that Nigeria’s current leadership challenges require experienced and energetic leadership, noting that his past roles as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor, and Minister have prepared him for national leadership.
Amaechi further defended the relevance of zoning and national inclusion, while also maintaining that every region must feel a sense of belonging in the country’s political structure.
He dismissed claims that the ADC is weakened by internal changes, insisting the party remains strong enough to challenge the ruling party in the next election cycle.
The former governor also criticized aspects of the current administration, alleging weakening of institutions and political pressure on opposition figures, although he maintained respect for President Bola Tinubu.
In the wider opposition race, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also contesting the ADC presidential ticket alongside Amaechi and businessman Hayatudeen Muhammed, while other aspirants like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Obi separately appeared before a presidential screening panel of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, where he was the sole aspirant undergoing screening for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC leadership has assured that all aspirants will be screened by a 17-member committee as part of preparations for the general elections.
The party’s national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, warned that the upcoming political season would be highly competitive, describing it as a “serious political contest” requiring full preparation from all stakeholders.
