Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to hold a transparent primary election to select its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, rejecting calls for a consensus choice.
Amaechi emphasized that party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidate, insisting that internal democracy must be respected. He argued that leadership should emerge through a credible voting process rather than through backroom agreements.
On the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the ADC ticket, Amaechi said he would support him if he wins a fair primary. However, he maintained that no aspirant should be handed the nomination without going through due process. Describing Atiku as eminently qualified, Amaechi added that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest for the presidency, regardless of debates around regional power rotation.
The former Rivers State governor dismissed arguments centered on NorthāSouth zoning, stressing that competence should take priority over regional considerations. He said Nigeria needs a leader with the capacity and energy to address the country’s challenges, pointing to the emergence of younger leaders in other parts of the world as evidence that leadership requires strength, alertness, and the ability to respond quickly to national issues.
Amaechi said the presidency demands someone who can actively engage with citizens, understand problems firsthand, and work consistently towards solutions. He also cautioned Nigerians against voting based on religion or ethnicity, blaming such considerations for the country’s current socio-economic struggles.
He argued that economic realities affect all citizens equally, regardless of faith or background. Amaechi further criticized the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying economic hardship has worsened across the country.
“Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Christians or Muslims. The market does not know that. The market understands just one language, Naira and Kobo. It doesn’t understand any other language. Now, everybody is suffering. Everybody is looking for food to eat,” he said.
He noted rising costs of fuel, transportation, and basic commodities, adding that many Nigerians are struggling to meet daily needs. He said the focus of leadership should be on improving the economy and addressing citizens’ welfare, rather than identity politics.
