Former Rivers State governor and current presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has asserted that he played the leading role in securing former President Muhammadu Buhari's victory in the 2015 election. He dismissed suggestions that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was responsible for Buhari's emergence.
Amaechi Reveals His Role in 2015 Campaign
Speaking on his contribution during the 2015 election, Amaechi stated that he was deeply involved in mobilizing political support across the country as Director-General of Buhari's presidential campaign. He claimed that while Tinubu had allegedly taken credit for Buhari's victory, he could not publicly challenge that narrative at the time because he was serving as a minister in Buhari's administration.
“When I was a minister, Tinubu was claiming he made Buhari president, and I couldn't respond because Buhari could have fired me because I was still serving as a minister,” Amaechi said. He added, “Tinubu didn't make Buhari president. I did all the battle, not Tinubu.”
Amaechi Recounts APC Merger and Campaign Efforts
The former governor also reflected on the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the efforts made by party leaders to build national support ahead of the 2015 elections. He maintained that his contribution to the campaign and political mobilization was widely known within the party. “Not only was I the DG of the campaign, but everybody will testify that I did all the battle,” he said. Amaechi further stated, “I led the Governors’ Forum, crisscrossed the country, fighting here and there, trying to get Nigerians to know that this is the time for change.”
According to him, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum under his leadership traveled extensively to promote the “change” agenda of the APC.
ADC Aspirant Speaks Amid Political Realignments
Amaechi's remarks come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several politicians repositioning within opposition parties. The former minister is currently seeking the presidential ticket of the ADC as political activities intensify across the country.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the ADC presidential aspirant said he did not buy the presidential form to become Vice President in the 2027 elections. Amaechi found the idea of being a running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election repulsive.
