Nigeria’s former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi has signalled his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, arguing that his experience in governance and infrastructure equips him to confront the country’s mounting economic and security challenges.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, the former Rivers State governor said he was entering the race out of conviction rather than competition. “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 rail modernisation projects and port development initiatives undertaken during his time in office as evidence of his capacity, adding that he had also addressed insecurity while in government.
Now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he delivered a sharp critique of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing a worsening economic landscape marked by rising living costs and deepening hardship.
“Everybody is suffering, everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, can’t travel … everything is skyrocketing,” he said, accusing the president of failing to deliver on key promises, particularly in the power sector.
Amaechi also raised concerns about the integrity of democratic institutions, alleging attempts to weaken opposition parties and calling for the independence of bodies such as the electoral commission and the judiciary.
“Whether free, fair or not free, if we are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election,” he said, suggesting that efforts were being made to prevent strong challengers from emerging.
He joins a growing field of opposition figures positioning for the presidency, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential election for 16 January 2027, with party primaries expected to take place between 23 April and 30 May 2026, setting the stage for an increasingly contested race.
