Former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, vowing to work against his re-election in 2027 under a new political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing a mob of followers at Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday, Amaechi labelled Rivers State as “notorious for writing election results and declaring winners,” warning his supporters not to work with electoral manipulators.
He urged Rivers residents and Nigerians in general to register with the ADC, which he claimed had emerged to confront and replace the current administration, which has caused “unprecedented hardship” for citizens.
“If you are not tired of President Tinubu, I’m tired of President Tinubu. If you’re not hungry, I’m hungry,” Amaechi declared. “If the rich are spending ₦4 million monthly on electricity, only God knows how the poor are surviving. And the president says he doesn’t care. The ADC is here to care.”
Amaechi criticised Tinubu’s alleged indifference to the suffering of Nigerians, insisting the APC-led administration must be replaced in 2027. He vowed not to associate with anyone who rigs elections or announces doctored results.
“This coming is to reassure our supporters and Rivers people that there is a new party in town. Every Rivers man who loves this state and country should register with the ADC and help end the hunger,” he said.
In a symbolic display of strength, Amaechi walked about three kilometres through the streets of Port Harcourt to his home in Old GRA, a gesture interpreted as a covert challenge to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s political influence on the state.
Meanwhile, the Non-Indigenes Alliance Movement (NIAM) Port Harcourt chapter has offered support for any candidate who emerges victorious in the ADC primary poll, calling the party a vehicle to remove the APC’s “bad governance”.
Speaking to the press, NIAM leader Chief Mike Oyiakhire said, “We have said it again and again: Nigeria cannot continue like this. ADC has come to change the narrative. 2027 is a done deal.”
He stated that, while Amaechi had a high chance of winning the ADC presidential ticket, the organisation would back any respectable candidate, including Atiku Abubakar if he is nominated.
Regarding the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Oyiakhire decried the declaration of a state of emergency, calling the suspension of a democratically elected governor an “aberration” and a “crime against the people”.
