Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers state has rejected calls for a consensus arrangement within the African Democratic Congress (ADC ) ahead of the 2027 poll, insisting that aspirants must be allowed to test their popularity at the ballot.
Amaechi, who appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Friday, described himself as a “Nigerian candidate,” emphasising that he is not driven by ethnic considerations but by a commitment to solving Nigeria’s problems.
Ameachi however assured that if Atiku wins, he will support him. ‘‘But beyond him winning, it has to be through primaries,” he added.
He said he doesn’t agree with those who say they want a consensus candidate. He called on the party to allow people to vote for who they want in the party.”
Amaechi described Atiku Abubakar as qualified to contest for the presidency, noting that it is within his constitutional rights to do so.
“Vice-President Atiku is eminently qualified to be the president of Nigeria, and it is within his right to contest,” he said.
He dismissed the emphasis on zoning, arguing that competence, not geography, should determine who leads the country.
“I don’t agree with north or south or any such divisions,” he said.
“What I believe is that the most qualified candidates should be allowed to govern and be elected.”
Amaechi contested for the presidency in 2023 on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, polling second in the primary contest — behind President Bola Tinubu.
During the interview, he said he has positioned himself as a viable contender for the next presidential race, adding that Nigerians are yearning for competent leadership to address economic hardship and insecurity.
“Nigerians are looking for someone who can solve their problems… who can put food on our table? Who can fix the security situation?” he asked.
According to him, the country requires a president with the energy and willingness to engage directly with challenges across regions.
“This job requires capacity. It requires the ability to wake up early, keep up with and listen to people, examine problems, and act,” he said.
Amaechi said he has demonstrated such capacity during his time in office, particularly in tackling insecurity in Rivers state.
“I have governed Rivers state, and I have shown that I can tackle insecurity,” he added.
He also took a swipe at the current administration, arguing that governance should reflect balance across ethnic, religious and economic interests.
“There must be balance in society. You must protect all religious and ethnic interests,” he said.
He warned that failure to ensure inclusivity could deepen public dissatisfaction and fuel agitations across the country.
“If you continue what you are doing currently, the people will not be happy. They will continue to say they want to leave,” he said.
Amaechi is one of the presidential hopefuls on the ADC platform. He has promised to govern for a single term if elected.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain highlighted his role in delivering key projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna and Lagos–Ibadan rail lines, as well as the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
The former Rivers State governor also claimed success in tackling insecurity while in office, arguing that his experience sets him apart from other candidates.
Amaechi defended his service under former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that the administration outperformed the current government led by President Bola Tinubu.’
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