Rotimi Amaechi, presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has challenged President Bola Tinubu's intention to seek re-election in 2027. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms, Amaechi attributed the country's worsening economic hardship to the current administration. He described the situation as a consequence of leadership choices based on ethnic and religious considerations rather than merit.
Amaechi referenced what he called the "Emilokan" mentality — the idea that power should rotate based on turns — as a root cause of Nigeria's decline. He stressed that the economy no longer discriminates along religious or regional lines, stating, "There is no market for Christians, neither is there a market for Muslims, or a market for northerners or southerners." According to him, the only thing the market values is the naira, and Nigerians are suffering under its devaluation.
He questioned why Tinubu would want to run again, saying, "The current president has put us in this suffering. I don't know why he wants to run." Amaechi extended the criticism to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting the party should step aside and allow others the chance to lead. He urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and instead vote based on performance and capability.
Amaechi claimed he is the most experienced among the aspirants, citing his tenure as Rivers State governor and as minister of transportation. He said Nigerians should assess his track record and determine if he can turn the country around. He promised to do so within four years if elected. On the ADC primaries, he expressed preference for a direct primary but said he would accept a consensus decision if it favoured him.
Amaechi criticises leadership by rotation yet runs on a platform built entirely on his past positions and personal experience, not a broader political vision. His call for merit-based selection contrasts with his appeal to voters to judge him solely by his individual record. If performance is the benchmark, then every candidate's past must be scrutinised equally, not just the incumbent's. His promise to fix the country in four years rests on assumptions the source does not verify.
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