Amaechi Claims Only Non-Regional Candidate in ADC Presidential Race

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has expressed skepticism regarding the national appeal of his rivals in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the party approaches its 2027 presidential primaries. In an interview on Channels Television, Amaechi asserted that other aspirants in the race are primarily focused on regional interests, while he positions himself as the only candidate with a genuinely national perspective. Among his main challengers are former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom have announced their intentions to secure the ADC’s presidential ticket.

Amaechi, who previously served as Minister of Transportation, emphasized that his campaign is not influenced by ethnic or regional considerations, despite his Igbo heritage. “I am not a regional candidate,” he stated. “I’m not running because I’m Igbo, even though I’m partially one. I have said to Nigerians, leave region and ethnicity alone. That’s what put us here.” He further criticized the emphasis on religious politics in previous elections, specifically referencing the Muslim-Muslim ticket that contributed to President Bola Tinubu’s victory in 2023. According to Amaechi, such strategies have failed to address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges. “Those who supported President Tinubu were pursuing a religious agenda. They were so happy about the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Muslims or Christians. The market only understands naira and kobo, no other language.”

Amaechi reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent primary process, stating that the ADC would conduct a “proper” election to select its candidate for the 2027 contest. He stressed that while other aspirants have the right to run, they must acknowledge that electoral success relies on more than just regional or religious identity. The ADC’s 2027 presidential primary is anticipated to attract significant attention, particularly as the party aims to establish itself as a credible alternative in a political landscape still largely dominated by the two major parties.