Rotimi Amaechi vows to challenge Tinubu in 2027

Former Minister of Transportation and erstwhile Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has publicly declared his readiness to join a burgeoning coalition aimed at challenging the Bola Tinubu-led administration in the 2027 presidential elections. 

This announcement, made during a recent interview with the BBC, effectively confirms long-standing speculation about Amaechi’s political ambitions and his growing disaffection with the current government.

Amaechi, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not mince words in his criticism of President Tinubu’s performance. He accused the administration of “failing the Nigerian people,” particularly highlighting the deepening economic hardship gripping the nation. “People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger,” Amaechi stated emphatically, underscoring the severity of the current economic climate.

Despite his scathing critique, Amaechi maintained his loyalty to the APC, asserting that party membership does not equate to blind support for a government perceived to be underperforming. “If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you’re in the same party. You know that’s not right,” he argued, positioning himself as a truth-teller within the ruling party. This stance suggests a potential internal struggle within the APC as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Amaechi’s declaration comes amidst growing speculation of an emerging opposition coalition, widely believed to be coalescing around the objective of unseating President Tinubu. His alignment with this group gained significant traction during his recent 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, an event that drew a remarkable array of political heavyweights. Notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, both of whom have been vocal critics of the current administration.

During the birthday gathering, Amaechi, alongside Atiku and El-Rufai, collectively accused President Tinubu of “weaponizing poverty in Nigeria,” a strong indictment that resonates with Amaechi’s earlier comments on economic hardship. The presence of these influential figures at his celebration further solidifies the perception of a formidable front forming against the incumbent government.

Amaechi willingness to openly challenge a sitting president from his own party, coupled with his alliance with key opposition figures, suggests a strategic maneuver to position himself or a favored candidate at the forefront of a united opposition force. The coming months are likely to reveal more about the composition and strategy of this “2027Coalition” as it seeks to capitalize on public discontent with the current administration.