Amaechi Joins ADC, Vows to ‘Fix’ Nigeria’s Economic Crisis

​ABUJA — The political landscape for the 2027 general elections shifted significantly yesterday as the former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, formally declared his intention to run for the presidency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

​Amaechi, a former stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, confirmed his move during an exclusive interview with Channels Television. The declaration follows months of speculation regarding a potential “mega-party” coalition between himself, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi—many of whom were recently seen together at the ADC National Convention in Abuja.

​”I Can Solve the Nigerian Problem”

​Striking a defiant tone, Amaechi positioned himself as a “Nigerian candidate” capable of navigating the country out of its current economic turmoil. He pointed to the soaring cost of living, fuel scarcity, and the skyrocketing prices of essential goods as evidence of a failed administration.

​“I don’t care who else is running,” Amaechi stated. “I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem, and I can solve the Nigerian problem.”

ADVERTISEMENT

​The former Minister did not hold back in his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the administration’s inability to deliver on promises regarding power and security. He suggested that the President’s performance has effectively stripped him of the moral right to seek a second term.

​“Everybody is suffering; everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, can’t travel… For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out,” Amaechi added.

​A New Coalition Emerges?

​Amaechi’s move to the ADC signals a potential realignment of opposition forces. At the recent ADC convention, leaders of various opposition factions expressed a readiness to “defend democracy” and unite against the incumbent APC.

​While political analysts, including ARISE Director of News Sumner Sambo, have questioned whether the ADC will ultimately hand Amaechi its presidential ticket, the former Governor remains confident. He asserted that if a fair contest is held, President Tinubu will lose, claiming that the presidency is only wary of “strong candidates” on the ballot.

​As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Amaechi’s entry into the ADC marks a bold challenge to his former party, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly contested electoral cycle focused on economic survival and national security.