Former Rivers State Governor and current presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term, attributing Nigeria's worsening economic hardship to the current administration.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, May 14, while submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi questioned why Tinubu would seek re-election given the state of the economy. He suggested that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should step aside and allow other candidates to contest freely.
Amaechi Questions Tinubu's Re-Election Plan
Amaechi argued that the economic reality in Nigeria has become unbearable, with citizens struggling under inflation and financial pressure. He emphasized that leadership should be based on competence and results, not on sentiments such as ethnicity, religion, or regional entitlement.
"The current president has put us in this suffering. I don't know why he wants to run. I don't even know why APC wants to participate. They should be in shame and allow other Nigerians to participate and change the country," Amaechi stated.
Call for Performance-Based Politics
Dismissing identity-based politics, Amaechi urged voters to focus on performance rather than slogans about "turn" or regional entitlement. He noted that nearly all major contenders have held public office before and should be judged based on their track records.
"I believe I am the most experienced. I am young, I am the most experienced, and I believe I have the capacity," Amaechi said, expressing confidence in his ability to turn the country around within four years. He pointed to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation as evidence of his capability.
On the ADC presidential primary, Amaechi stated a preference for a direct primary system but said he would accept a consensus arrangement if it favors him.
ADC Responds to Internal Tensions
Previously, the ADC addressed allegations of internal tensions within its coalition, including claims that Amaechi once threatened to leave over perceived preferential treatment for Peter Obi. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed suggestions of marginalization, explaining that leadership roles were distributed through political negotiation to ensure balance and inclusion among key stakeholders. He added that occasional disagreements were resolved through compromise.
