Amaechi Declares Readiness For 2027, Says Rivers Experience Makes Him Most Qualified ADC Presidential Aspirant

 

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed confidence in his ability to emerge as the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking to party stakeholders, the former governor highlighted his administrative experience and achievements during his tenure in Rivers State as the foundation of his capability to lead Nigeria out of its current challenges.

Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, insisted that his performance in governance sets him apart from other aspirants within the ADC. He recalled the turbulent period when he first assumed office as governor, describing it as a time when Rivers State was crippled by insecurity, economic stagnation, and social unrest.

According to him, the state capital, Port Harcourt, had become a shadow of itself, overtaken by criminal activities that kept residents indoors and businesses paralyzed. Kidnappings, armed robberies, and killings were rampant, creating an atmosphere of fear that crippled nightlife and commerce. Amaechi stated that upon assuming power, he took immediate steps to restore law and order, revive economic confidence, and bring back normal life to the once-vibrant city.

Speaking in a video message shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Amaechi recounted the swift measures taken by his administration to reclaim Port Harcourt from the grip of violence. He emphasized that his leadership approach was rooted in decisive action, strategic security reforms, and an unrelenting focus on good governance.

He said, “I served as a governor in a state where people were being killed and kidnapped. Robbery was on the increase, and people could hardly go out in Port Harcourt. Social life had completely died. Parties were not happening, hospitals were collapsing, and citizens were living in constant fear. The only source of entertainment for men was their wives because people could not safely go out. Within six months of taking office, we chased away the criminals and brought life back to the city.”

The former governor explained that his success in Rivers State was achieved through a combination of strong political will and collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups. His administration, he said, invested heavily in security infrastructure, urban renewal, and public sector reform to ensure that the state regained its reputation as one of the country’s commercial and cultural hubs.

Amaechi further stated that such hands-on experience dealing with insecurity and economic decline places him in a unique position to tackle Nigeria’s national challenges if elected president. He noted that the problems currently confronting the country, including insecurity, unemployment, and a struggling economy, are similar to what Rivers State faced during his tenure. He added that his record of performance provides a clear template for transforming adversity into opportunity.

“Having governed a state where everything seemed broken and yet managing to restore stability within a short time, I believe I possess the practical experience that Nigeria needs now. I understand what it means to govern during chaos and still deliver results. That experience is what sets me apart from other aspirants,” he said.

The former minister also stressed that his vision for Nigeria goes beyond rhetoric. He promised to prioritize the welfare of citizens, drive infrastructural development, and strengthen institutions that support transparency and accountability. Amaechi described leadership as a test of courage and competence, not popularity or political sentiment.

Stakeholders who attended the interactive session reportedly expressed admiration for Amaechi’s confidence and clarity of purpose. Some praised his developmental strides in education, health, and infrastructure during his time as governor, citing the transformation of the Rivers education system through the building of model schools and the establishment of healthcare centers across rural communities.

Political observers believe Amaechi’s entry into the ADC presidential race could alter the dynamics within the party and possibly the wider opposition landscape. His political pedigree, which spans over two decades, from Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly to Governor and later Minister, positions him as one of the most experienced politicians seeking the presidency in 2027.

However, analysts also point out that Amaechi faces an uphill battle, given the dominance of established political blocs and the internal challenges confronting the ADC. While his reputation as an efficient administrator remains strong, questions linger about whether his political influence still commands the same nationwide appeal he once enjoyed during his years in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite these challenges, Amaechi’s declaration appears to have rekindled enthusiasm among his supporters who see him as a leader capable of driving reform through experience and discipline. His message to Nigerians was clear: that leadership must be rooted in proven ability and a track record of confronting crises successfully.

As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Amaechi’s assertion that his Rivers State experience equips him for national leadership has sparked renewed debate within the opposition about what qualities truly define an ideal presidential candidate. Whether his claim translates into political momentum remains to be seen, but his confidence underscores his determination to return to the center of Nigeria’s political stage.