A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that his background in governance and infrastructure equips him to tackle Nigeria’s challenges as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Friday, Amaechi said he has a clear understanding of the nation’s problems and the ability to fix them.
“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 projects completed during his tenure, including rail development and port upgrades, as proof of his competence. He also maintained that he addressed insecurity while in office, arguing that his track record distinguishes him from other aspirants.
Amaechi, a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress, took aim at the current administration led by Bola Tinubu, claiming that the country’s economic conditions have deteriorated.
He said many Nigerians are facing hardship and growing frustration over the state of the economy.
“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.
“For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak, he doesn’t. 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.
Amaechi further alleged moves to undermine opposition parties, stressing that institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary must be allowed to function independently.
“Whether free, fair or not free, if we [ADC] are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. The problem is he does not want a strong candidate on the ballot,” Amaechi stated.
He is among several high-profile figures within the ADC positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race. Others in the opposition bloc include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential election for January 16, 2027, while party primaries are set to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026, when parties will choose their candidates.