Amaechi Accuses NSA Ribadu of Political Targeting for 2031 Presidential Ambition
Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and ex-minister of transportation, has made serious allegations against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, claiming he is using his position to target opposition politicians for personal political gains. Amaechi asserted that Ribadu is simultaneously working to secure support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign while positioning himself for a presidential bid in 2031.
Allegations of Dual Political Strategy
During an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese Ijebu, Amaechi detailed his concerns about Ribadu's activities. "Ribadu is busy arresting everybody," Amaechi stated. "He is planning double elections. He is planning for himself in 2031 and also planning for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election."
The former governor further accused Ribadu of undermining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming the security chief has created a "fake ADC" and is using legal challenges to weaken the opposition party. "Just go to court, he has so many ADC cases in court with small boys he has bought cars for," Amaechi alleged.
Amaechi's 2027 Presidential Aspirations
During the same interview, Amaechi reaffirmed his determination to contest the presidency in the 2027 elections under the ADC banner. The 60-year-old politician emphasized his extensive political experience, having served as:
- Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly
- Two-term governor of Rivers State
- Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum
- Minister of Transportation
"I am the most experienced of all the candidates in the ADC," Amaechi declared. "And I led a campaign for the first time in the history of Nigeria that took out the sitting president. Nobody wants to credit me with that."
Concerns About ADC's Electoral Strategy
Amaechi also expressed concerns about the ADC's potential electoral challenges, warning that the party may struggle to convince southern Nigerian voters if it fields a northern presidential candidate in 2027. He emphasized that zoning sentiments and the current power rotation arrangement could significantly influence voter behavior, particularly in southern regions.
"If I lose the primaries, I will be in the ADC," Amaechi stated regarding his commitment to the party. "It is not about me; it is about installing a responsible government."
Call for Ribadu to Focus on Security Duties
Amaechi concluded his criticism by urging Ribadu to concentrate on his security responsibilities rather than political maneuvering. "The man needs to rest. If he thinks that there won't be proper elections in 2027, he is wasting his time. He should prepare for his security job," Amaechi asserted.
The allegations come amid ongoing political tensions as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, with various political figures positioning themselves for what promises to be a highly contested electoral cycle.
