Amaechi Declares Himself Top Contender in ADC Presidential Race, Slams APC Over Hunger Claims

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared himself the most experienced and electable aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Amaechi positioned himself as a leading contender within the party, which already features prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex–Northern Nigeria Development Company boss, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Defending his political credentials, Amaechi said his years in public office give him an edge over other aspirants, including President Bola Tinubu.

“I’m the most experienced of them all. I’m the youngest but most experienced,” he said, pointing to his roles as chairman of both the Governors’ Forum and the Speakers’ Conference.

He noted that he remains the only former governor to have chaired the Governors’ Forum twice, describing his tenure as unprecedented despite internal political controversies at the time.

“I ran the Speakers’ Conference. I established the office in Abuja and served two terms. I was even asked to return for a second tenure as chairman of the Governors’ Forum,” he added.

Amaechi also used the platform to criticise the current administration, accusing President Tinubu of weaponising economic hardship for political gain.

“The president is creating hunger as a way of manipulating voters,” he alleged, arguing that food distribution during elections would not address long-term economic hardship.

He further questioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming the party was weakening opposition structures through institutional influence.

“If they say they are strong, why are they not allowing the opposition to have their political parties?” he asked.

Outlining his priorities if elected president, Amaechi said restoring law and order would be his first focus.

“The first thing I would do as president of Nigeria is the rule of law. It has to be law and order,” he stated.