Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has made a strong appeal for Nigeria’s next president to emerge from the South, emphasizing that leadership should be driven by competence, character, and capacity—not regional dominance or political entitlement.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Amaechi described the upcoming 2027 general elections as a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history. He framed the contest not as a battle between political parties, but between ordinary Nigerians and an entrenched political elite.
“This election is no longer about party loyalty,” Amaechi declared. “It’s Nigerians versus the political elite. If you want real change, it’s time to rise. The South is ready to lead. We’re building a platform that gives every Nigerian a voice and hope.”
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, reiterated that the South has produced capable leaders and should be given a fair opportunity to lead again—on the basis of merit and inclusiveness.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said. “We cannot sustain a democracy where one region continues to dominate while others are sidelined. It’s time to restore balance and deliver meaningful results.”
Aligning himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a larger opposition coalition, Amaechi revealed efforts to register a new political movement, the African Democratic Alliance (ADA). He, however, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately stalling the process.
“INEC is intentionally narrowing the political space to block credible alternatives like the ADA,” he alleged. “The South has been sidelined for too long. We have leaders with vision, integrity, and experience—it’s time we take the lead.”
Highlighting his track record as governor, Amaechi recalled how he swiftly addressed insecurity in Rivers State within six months, expanded access to education, and invested in rural development.
“If I were president today, Nigerians wouldn’t be this hungry,” he said. “I built schools in every village with computer labs, supported job creation through agriculture, and ensured transparency in government spending. That’s what effective leadership looks like.”
He did not spare the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), criticizing the Tinubu-led administration for worsening the economic crisis.
“This government has failed,” he asserted. “People are hungry. Insecurity is growing. The cost of living is unbearable. This administration is worse than the one before it.”
While stopping short of a formal declaration, Amaechi hinted at his readiness to run for president, stating, “This is not about me—it’s about Nigeria. Once our platform is fully in place, we’ll talk about candidates. But yes, I am ready and capable of leading this country.”
