Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries

Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for a transparent and credible primary election within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning against any attempt to impose a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, stressed that democratic principles must be upheld within the party, insisting that members should be allowed to freely choose their flag bearer through a fair voting process. He rejected the idea of backroom agreements, saying party leadership must emerge through due process.

On the possibility of Atiku Abubakar emerging as the party’s presidential candidate, Amaechi said he would support the former vice president if he secures victory in a transparent primary. However, he maintained that no aspirant should be handed the ticket without undergoing a credible contest.

He described Atiku as qualified to contest for the presidency, noting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek the country’s highest office, regardless of ongoing debates over zoning and power rotation.

Amaechi dismissed arguments centred on North–South power rotation, arguing that competence and capacity should take precedence over regional considerations. According to him, Nigeria requires a leader with the energy, strength, and responsiveness needed to confront the country’s mounting challenges.

Drawing comparisons with global political trends, he pointed to the emergence of younger leaders in other parts of the world, emphasizing that effective leadership demands alertness and the ability to respond swiftly to national issues.

He added that the presidency requires someone who can actively engage citizens, understand their problems firsthand, and work consistently toward practical solutions.

The former minister also cautioned Nigerians against voting along religious or ethnic lines, blaming such considerations for the country’s current difficulties. He argued that economic realities cut across all divides, affecting citizens irrespective of faith or background.

Amaechi further criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying economic hardship has worsened nationwide. He noted that rising costs of fuel, transportation, and basic commodities have left many Nigerians struggling to meet daily needs.

“Today, they have discovered that the market does not know Christians or Muslims. The market does not know that. The market understands just one language, Naira and Kobo. It doesn’t understand any other language. Now, everybody is suffering. Everybody is looking for food to eat,” he said.

He concluded that leadership at all levels should prioritise economic recovery and citizens’ welfare over identity politics, urging political actors to focus on policies that directly improve living conditions across the country.

 

Amaechi Rejects Consensus Candidate, Demands Transparent ADC Primaries