By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
Kaduna – Former Rivers State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that there’s “no retreat, no give up” in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 beneath the platform of the ADC.
Amaechi, who additionally served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, said this throughout an interplay with journalists in Kano after a gathering with a coalition of merchants within the state. He insisted that the ADC major election should be open, stressing that he wouldn’t step apart for any aspirant.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Thursday, Amaechi mentioned, “I’ll contest the ADC presidential major, and by God’s grace, I hope to win in order that I can face Tinubu in 2027.”
“I’m not stepping down for anybody. Let the individuals determine who they wish to lead,” Amaechi declared.
The previous minister maintained that each aspirant within the occasion had the appropriate to hunt the ticket, describing the competition as wholesome for inside democracy.
On the state of the nation beneath President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi criticised the administration, saying Nigerians had been dissatisfied with its insurance policies and governance model.
“Whether or not the federal government needs to conduct credible elections or not, one factor is definite—time is up. Nigerians are drained as a result of nobody is completely happy beneath Tinubu, not even in Rivers or throughout the South. He tries to border it as a North-South contest, however the fact is individuals are struggling all over the place,” he mentioned.
In line with him, Tinubu’s appointments haven’t mirrored real inclusion. “Even among the many Yoruba, many really feel excluded. He solely rewards a couple of people near him, whereas the bulk stay uncared for,” Amaechi alleged.
Responding to questions on whether or not the ADC, just like the APC and PDP, may zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi mentioned: “That may be a occasion determination. I’m only a member. Regardless of the occasion decides, I’ll abide by it. However so far as I’m involved, I’m within the race.”
Amaechi additional argued that he remained probably the most certified aspirants throughout the nation. “Should you have a look at all these aspiring, together with Tinubu, inform me actually, who is best ready than I’m? I come from the South, and we aren’t in battle with the South-East, South-West, and even the North. My candidacy gives unity,” he asserted.
Though some political observers consider Amaechi’s affect in Rivers politics has waned because of the dominance of his long-time rival and present FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the previous governor dismissed such claims.
“Not too long ago, once I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was huge from the airport to the venue, and no person paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That ought to let you know one thing about the place the individuals stand,” he added.
The put up 2027: Amaechi rules out stepping down, declares interest in ADC presidential ticket appeared first on Vanguard News.
