Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his readiness to tackle Nigeria’s worsening challenges, positioning himself as a key contender ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Friday, the former Rivers State governor said his experience in governance and infrastructure gives him a clear edge in solving the nation’s problems.
“I don’t care who else is running. I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem. And I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he said.
Amaechi pointed to major infrastructure strides during his time in office, including rail projects and port development, as proof of his competence. He also claimed to have made significant progress in tackling insecurity while in government.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Amaechi launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of worsening economic hardship across the country.
According to him, the rising cost of living has left Nigerians struggling to survive.
“Everybody is suffering, everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, can’t travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of transportation; everything is skyrocketing.
“For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak, he doesn’t. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out,” he said.
Amaechi also alleged plans to weaken opposition forces, warning that democratic institutions must be protected to ensure credible elections.
“Whether free, fair or not free, if we [ADC] are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. The problem is he does not want a strong candidate on the ballot,” Amaechi stated.
He joins a growing list of heavyweights within the opposition coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir el-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola, all believed to be eyeing the 2027 presidential race.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election, with party primaries scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
