As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially declared his interest in contesting for the presidency.
In a live interview on Channels TV, Amaechi addressed a wide range of issues including the newly formed opposition coalition, power rotation, and his commitment to serve only one term if elected president.
Opposition Coalition to Challenge Tinubu in 2027
Amaechi said the formation of the coalition, now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the economic hardship under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The coalition, according to him, aims not only to defeat Tinubu in 2027 but also to deliver better governance to Nigerians.
“The primary objective is to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election and make life better for Nigerians,” Amaechi stated.
The opposition alliance, which took nearly two years to form, includes heavyweight politicians such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami, and Amaechi himself. It has appointed David Mark as interim National Chairperson, Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and Bolaji Abdullahi as spokesperson.
Amaechi Supports Power Rotation, Vows One-Term Presidency
Amaechi expressed strong support for Nigeria’s informal power rotation agreement between the North and South. He insisted that the South must be allowed to complete its eight-year cycle, having only served four years under Tinubu’s current tenure.
“For now, the way Nigeria is, you must keep to that agreement—South eight years, North eight years,” he said.
Reflecting on his role in supporting northern power transition in 2015, Amaechi reaffirmed his belief in regional balance.
“I fought for power to return to the North in 2015 to maintain balance. If the South is not allowed to complete its tenure now, then I was wrong in 2015.”
He also pledged to limit his presidency to a single term if elected:
“I won’t do more than four years,” he declared.
Peter Obi Also Declares Interest, Agrees to Possible One-Term Deal
In a related development, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has also expressed interest in the 2027 race. He indicated a willingness to agree to a four-year tenure if it forms part of a larger political agreement.
“If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to four years in office, I will comply,” Obi said.
What’s Next?
As political alignments continue to take shape, the ADC-led coalition is expected to be a formidable force in the 2027 elections. While the coalition has not yet zoned the presidency to any region, its makeup and leadership signal a serious challenge to President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid.
