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

Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Says They Need ‘Jigi-Bola Glasses’ to See APC Achievements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at opposition figures aligned with the African Democratic Congress, saying they need “Jigi-Bola eyeglasses” to see what he described as the achievements of his administration.

Tinubu made the remark on Thursday at the State House while receiving a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“If they don’t want to see the hope and the roads and bridges, and the children we are raising, the economy we are growing, we shall lend them Jigi-Bola eyeglasses,” the President said, defending his government’s performance.

The comment comes amid escalating political exchanges between the Presidency and key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, who are now prominent voices within the ADC coalition.

Tinubu reiterated his commitment to sustaining reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly those aimed at improving economic opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians. He argued that ongoing policies are designed to stabilise the economy and drive long-term growth.

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However, opposition leaders have sharply criticised the administration.

Aregbesola recently described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam,” intensifying tensions within Nigeria’s political space.

Atiku Abubakar, on his part, vowed to reverse all policies introduced by the Tinubu administration if elected president in 2027, stating that the current government represents “the worst administration” he has witnessed.

Similarly, Peter Obi criticised the government’s economic management, citing rising poverty levels and increasing national debt. According to him, key economic indicators have worsened, warning that the country risks deeper crisis without urgent reforms.

Obi also raised concerns about national unity, arguing that divisions have widened under the current administration and calling for collective efforts to rebuild cohesion.

The exchange highlights growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition leaders ramping up criticism while the Presidency continues to defend its policies and achievements.

Tinubu Mocks Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Says They Need ‘Jigi-Bola Glasses’ to See APC Achievements

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, following decisions taken at its national convention held on Tuesday, in a major restructuring aimed at resolving internal leadership disputes and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expelled Kenneth Ehiator, Abia State chairman of the ADC, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu, with officials stating that the move was part of efforts to restore discipline, unity, and organisational stability within the party structure.

At the same convention, the ADC ratified a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, alongside former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal as Deputy National Chairman (North East), and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.

The leadership changes come amid prolonged internal disputes over legitimacy and control of the party structure, with Nafiu Bala previously insisting he remained the rightful national chairman of the ADC, while Leke Abejide aligned with his faction and participated in protests at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding recognition.

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Party insiders said the expulsion of key figures was necessary to end parallel leadership claims and unify the party ahead of its political roadmap toward the 2027 elections, where it plans to field candidates across all elective positions.

The ADC also confirmed that it had duly notified INEC ahead of the convention and would proceed to submit its official report in line with electoral guidelines.

Chairman of the convention media sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party complied with legal requirements, stressing that INEC’s physical presence at the event was not mandatory for the validity of the convention.

According to him, what matters under the law is proper notification and submission of post-convention documentation, which the party says it has fulfilled.

With the convention concluded, the ADC said it is now shifting focus to preparations for its primaries, where it will select candidates for the 2027 general elections, including its presidential flagbearer.

Political sources within the party said the newly established leadership structure would guide negotiations among aspirants, with discussions expected on whether to adopt direct primaries or a consensus arrangement.

The 2026 Electoral Act allows political parties to determine their method of primary elections, either through direct voting by members or consensus among stakeholders.

Sources further noted that managing multiple high-profile aspirants remains one of the biggest challenges facing the party as it prepares for the presidential contest.

Political analysts say the ADC’s evolving structure could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, especially with the reported involvement of prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, analysts also warn that internal competition for the presidential ticket may become a major test of unity for the party as it attempts to position itself as a strong opposition force ahead of 2027.

Despite the tensions, the ADC insists that its convention marks a turning point in its restructuring process and a significant step toward its participation in the next general elections.

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership