Rotimi Amaechi Promises Swift Constitutional Reform and One-Month Anti-Corruption Drive if Elected President in 2027

 

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has made bold political promises ahead of the 2027 presidential election, declaring his readiness to amend Nigeria’s constitution and eliminate corruption within his first month in office. Speaking on Friday during a session of the X Space conversation tagged “Weekend Politics,” the former Rivers State governor outlined a sweeping agenda he believes will transform the nation’s governance and economic direction.

During the conversation, Amaechi said his constitutional reform plan would prioritize replacing the current indigeneship policy with a citizenship model. According to him, such a change would enhance national unity by removing long-standing legal and social barriers that limit rights and opportunities based on state of origin. He expressed confidence that this measure, coupled with other reforms, would strengthen the bonds between Nigerians across different regions.

Pledging to confront corruption head-on, Amaechi gave an ultimatum that if he could not significantly end the menace within his first month in office, he would voluntarily resign. The former minister criticized what he described as entrenched corruption within the corridors of power, accusing some influential figures of routinely visiting the Central Bank of Nigeria to divert public funds. He claimed that the money being siphoned could have been used to improve national security and the economy if channeled appropriately.

“I am prepared to take decisive action,” Amaechi stated. “If elected president, I will not watch while the nation suffers under the weight of greed and selfishness. If I cannot deliver results in one month, I will step aside. This is not a political stunt but a personal conviction.”

Amaechi also took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the worst chairman the electoral body has had in Nigeria’s history. His comment came amid wider public debates over the credibility and transparency of recent elections. He suggested that leadership at the electoral commission plays a critical role in determining the quality of democracy in the country.

The former Rivers governor did not spare his political rivals from criticism. In a pointed challenge to the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi invited him to walk the streets of Port Harcourt to gauge who the people truly support and who appears healthier and more connected to the grassroots. This was a continuation of the longstanding political rivalry between the two Rivers politicians, which has often played out in public statements.

On economic policy, Amaechi declared that he would not reinstate fuel subsidies if elected president. However, he promised a different approach to managing the savings from subsidy removal, saying the funds would be directed to the ordinary Nigerian rather than remaining in the hands of a political or economic elite. He explained that his goal would be to ensure direct financial benefits to the population, which would help cushion the effects of higher fuel prices.

“I will not bring back subsidies, but I will ensure that the money saved finds its way directly to the people. This means targeted interventions that lift households out of poverty rather than enriching those already in privileged positions,” he said.

Amaechi’s remarks have already generated a wave of reactions across social and political circles. Supporters point to his track record as a state governor and federal minister, arguing that he has shown the kind of resolve and administrative skill needed for such a transformative agenda. Critics, however, question the feasibility of eliminating corruption in one month, pointing to Nigeria’s complex political and economic systems where entrenched interests are deeply rooted.

Political analysts suggest that the promises form part of Amaechi’s early positioning ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential race. His focus on constitutional change, anti-corruption measures, and direct economic benefits indicates an attempt to appeal to both reform-minded citizens and those frustrated by Nigeria’s governance challenges.

The former minister’s comments about the electoral commission are also being viewed through the lens of potential electoral reforms. Observers note that challenging the credibility of INEC’s leadership could form part of a broader narrative to push for changes in election administration, especially if he pursues the presidency under a party different from the current ruling coalition.

As the 2027 election season draws closer, Amaechi’s fiery declarations signal that his campaign is likely to center on accountability, inclusivity, and citizen empowerment. Whether such sweeping promises can withstand the realities of political compromise remains to be seen, but the former minister’s willingness to tie his tenure to immediate performance targets sets him apart in a political environment where leaders rarely make such time-bound commitments.

If elected, Nigeria would be watching closely to see whether Amaechi’s pledges are achievable, symbolic, or a combination of both. For now, his remarks have injected fresh energy into the political conversation, ensuring that his name will remain prominent in the run-up to the next presidential polls.