Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has cast doubt on the national appeal of his rivals in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries. Speaking on Channels Television, Amaechi claimed that all other aspirants in the race are primarily focused on regional interests, while positioning himself as the only candidate with a truly national outlook.
Among his main challengers are former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom have declared their intentions to secure the ADC’s presidential ticket. Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, insisted that his campaign is not driven by ethnic or regional considerations, despite his Igbo heritage.
“I am not a regional candidate,” Amaechi said. “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 also criticised what he described as the prioritisation of religious politics in past elections, referencing the Muslim-Muslim ticket that helped President Bola Tinubu win in 2023. According to Amaechi, such strategies have done little to address Nigeria’s economic realities.
“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 standard-bearer for the 2027 contest. He stressed that while other aspirants have the right to run, they must recognise that electoral success depends on more than regional or religious identity.
The ADC’s 2027 presidential primary is expected to draw significant attention, particularly as the party seeks to position itself as a credible alternative in a political landscape still dominated by the two largest parties.
