A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and former governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has said that he would not step down for anyone in his quest to contest for the presidency in the 2027 election under the party’s platform.
Amaechi made the declaration in an interview with journalists after a meeting with members of the coalition in Kano State.
He said the ADC primary must be open to all, stressing that he would not step down for anyone.
He added that the masses are the ones who will decide their leader.
“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027
“I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead,” he said.
Furthermore, the former governor of Rivers State said Nigerians have had a raw deal under the Bola Tinubu administration and are complaining.
“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the south.
“He tries to frame it as north-south contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.
He noted that Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion.
“Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remains neglected,” he said.
On whether the ADC, like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said: “That is a party’s decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”
Amaechi said he remains one of the most qualified aspirants across the country.
“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity.
“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” he added.
