Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Insists on Transparent ADC Primaries
In opposition to any attempt to install a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi has urged for an open primary election within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amaechi emphasised that democracy must be maintained within the party and stated that party members should be free to select their own candidate.
He insisted that rather than through backroom negotiations, leadership should be chosen through a legitimate election procedure. Amaechi stated that if Atiku Abubakar wins a fair primary, he would back him in the event that he becomes the party’s nominee. But he maintained that no candidate should receive a ticket without following the proper procedures.
He said that Atiku was exceptionally qualified to run for president and that, regardless of zoning disputes, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to run for the nation’s highest position.
Amaechi noted that skill should take precedence above regional interests, dismissing claims regarding North-South power rotation.
He claims that Nigeria needs a leader who is capable and motivated to address the nation’s problems.
He made the case that leadership demands fortitude, vigilance, and the capacity to react swiftly to domestic problems by drawing parallels with worldwide trends and citing the rise of younger leaders in other nations.
According to him, the presidency requires someone who can actively interact with the public, have firsthand knowledge of issues, and continually strive for solutions.
The former governor of Rivers State also warned Nigerians not to vote on the basis of race or religion, attributing the current state of the nation to such factors.
He maintained that regardless of background or religion, all citizens are equally impacted by economic realities. Amaechi went on to condemn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s present administration, claiming that the nation’s economic situation has gotten worse.
They have found today that neither Christians nor Muslims are well-known in the market. The market is unaware of that. Only Naira and Kobo are understood by the market.
It is incapable of understanding any other language. Everyone is struggling right now. “Everyone is searching for food,” he remarked.
He pointed out that fuel, transportation, and basic goods are becoming more expensive, and many Nigerians are finding it difficult to satisfy their daily demands.
He claimed that rather than identity politics, leadership should concentrate on enhancing the economy and addressing the welfare of the populace.
