Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi formally entered the conversation around the 2027 presidential race, declaring his intention to contest the presidency and arguing that his track record in government, particularly in infrastructure development, makes him uniquely equipped to address the country’s challenges.
Speaking on a television programme, Amaechi framed his candidacy in terms of conviction rather than competition, dismissing the question of who else might be in the race as irrelevant to his decision.
“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.
The former Rivers State governor pointed to his ministerial record, particularly in rail infrastructure and port development, as evidence of his ability to deliver on critical national priorities. He argued that his accomplishments in those areas distinguished him from other aspirants who lacked comparable records of implementation.
Amaechi, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, levelled sharp criticism at the Tinubu administration, describing economic conditions as having deteriorated sharply and accusing the government of failing to deliver on its key campaign commitments, particularly around power supply.
“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,” he said.
On electricity specifically, Amaechi was unsparing. “President Tinubu does not have the right to speak. 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.
He also alleged that efforts were underway to weaken opposition forces ahead of the election, insisting that democratic institutions must function independently of such pressure. “Whether free, fair or not free, if we are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. The problem is he does not want a strong candidate on the ballot,” he stated.
Amaechi joins a growing field of prominent opposition figures positioning for the 2027 presidential race, which is expected to include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir el-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola.
