“Coalition Will Support Whoever Emerges as ADC Candidate in 2027” — Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has affirmed that opposition leaders in the emerging coalition will fully support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to a large gathering of supporters at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Amaechi said, *“The moment anybody emerges from the primary, all of us will support; that’s the agreement. We insist on a free and fair, transparent primary.”*

Amaechi, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also urged Rivers residents to register with the ADC to help end what he described as the hunger and hardship under the Tinubu-led administration. He said the time had come to remove the APC from power through the ballot.

“If you are not tired of President Tinubu, I’m tired of President Tinubu. If you’re not hungry, I’m hungry,” he declared, blaming the government for rising costs and indifference to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

He also condemned electoral malpractice in Rivers State and warned against collaborating with those who “write results.” Amaechi trekked nearly three kilometres from the airport to his home in Old GRA, a move seen as a show of grassroots strength and a challenge to the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the state.

Backing Amaechi’s position, the Non-Indigenes Alliance Movement (NIAM) in Port Harcourt expressed support for the ADC and its yet-to-be-named presidential flagbearer. The group’s leader, Chief Mike Oyiakhire, said, “APC has destroyed this country with bad governance and ADC has come to change that narrative.”

While the Presidency declined official comment, a source insisted the current administration’s policies were beginning to positively impact the country. But ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi disagreed, stating the policies have not delivered real benefits to citizens. He criticized the lack of a clear plan to alleviate the suffering brought on by the reforms and questioned how funds from petrol subsidy removal are being spent.

Meanwhile, former Jigawa State governor and PDP stalwart, Sule Lamido, said he is open to working toward Nigeria’s progress in 2027 but ruled out joining the ADC or any coalition, describing them as alliances of individuals, not political institutions. He accused the APC government of using state power to intimidate the opposition and weaken democracy, citing the case of former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa.

Lamido warned that political manipulation, regional divisions, and abuse of power were threatening Nigeria’s unity and stability under the current administration.