Abuja – Former Minister of Transportation and two-term Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he will defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election — but only if he secures the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during a live X Spaces discussion on Friday, Amaechi said his experience in politics and governance, combined with what he described as “insider knowledge” of Tinubu’s strengths and weaknesses, gives him a decisive advantage in a head-to-head contest.
“If the ADC gives me the ticket, I will defeat Tinubu. I know his weaknesses. I have stayed away from the APC’s rigging machinery, and I will run a clean election,” Amaechi stated.
The former APC presidential aspirant revealed that he had consistently declined invitations to join the ruling party’s election planning committees, alleging that the platforms were often designed to manipulate outcomes. He promised to expose what he called “rigging methods” if he wins the ADC primary.
Amaechi further pledged to implement sweeping electoral reforms within the first six months of his presidency, describing them as the “lowest-hanging fruit” for restoring public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
While declaring his ambition, Amaechi stressed that he would fully support any candidate who emerges from a transparent ADC primary, adding that the 2027 election must be about “removing the current clueless government”.
The ADC is currently at the center of opposition coalition talks involving other high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. However, disagreements over zoning and the party’s presidential ticket are already generating internal tension.
Political analysts say Amaechi’s entry into the ADC race could reshape the opposition landscape, potentially drawing support from both southern and northern blocs.
With just under two years until the election, the ADC faces the challenge of uniting behind a single candidate capable of challenging the incumbent APC. Whether Amaechi secures that role — and whether his confidence translates into victory — remains to be seen.