Politics
2027: Rotimi Amaechi’s Game Plan Revealed
What City People Found Out
Since Wednesday, when he stormed Port Harcourt in a big way, many people have been wondering what Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi’s plans are. We can tell you that his plan is to run for Presidency, on the platform of the ADC. He would also not mind if he is fielded as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the party.
For months, Rotimi Amaechi’s plan had revolved around his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) and join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid come 2027.
Weeks back, he officially resigned from the APC, citing the party’s direction and the government’s performance as reasons for his departure. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration, highlighting issues like extreme inflation, hunger, and widespread poverty.
He joined the ADC, which has become the platform for a coalition of opposition parties preparing for the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the need for a national movement that empowers ordinary Nigerians to take control of their country.
He vowed to stop Tinubu’s second-term bid, urging Nigerians to register with the ADC and work towards removing the current government. He emphasized the importance of a transparent, free, and fair primary process for the ADC’s presidential candidate.
He stated that the coalition leaders will support whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate, provided the selection process is credible. The coalition includes prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
Amaechi plans to set up a Grassroots committee to mobilize support across Rivers State, encouraging citizens to register with the ADC and vote out the ruling APC in 2027. He also warned against electoral malpractice, particularly in Rivers State, where results are often “written” rather than counted.
The question many people are asking is whether he is still strong in Rivers, having been away for a while? Many political watchers think so?
Rotimi Amaechi’s strength in Rivers State seems to be reviving, particularly after his recent visit to the state as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amaechi drew large crowds at the Port Harcourt International Airport, with supporters braving the rain to welcome him. This display of support indicates that he still has a significant following in the state.
He declared that the ADC has come to stay in Rivers State and has vowed to strengthen the party’s presence. He’s committed to ensuring free and fair elections in 2027, which could boost the party’s popularity.
He condemned the manipulation of election results in Rivers State and pledged to resist any attempts to undermine the will of the people in future elections. This stance may resonate with voters seeking transparent electoral processes.
He even challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to a popularity walk in Port Harcourt, claiming he would prove his popularity without needing security presence.
However, it’s worth noting that Amaechi’s influence in Rivers State has been complex, with some accusing him of playing retrogressive politics and prioritizing personal interests over state development.
Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike, both former governors of Rivers State, have a strained relationship. Their falling out seems to have led to a series of public disagreements and accusations.
A few weeks back Wike accused Amaechi’s wife, Judith, of receiving N4 billion monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for empowerment programs, which Judith vehemently denied. She challenged Wike to publish the forensic audit report to substantiate his claims.
Amaechi and Wike frequently engage in public spats, with Amaechi describing Wike as a “child” and Wike retaliating that Amaechi won’t return to power.
Their disagreements seem to stem from their differing political views and ambitions.
Despite their current animosity, Wike has acknowledged that he risked his life to make Amaechi governor, suggesting they were once allies.
Their relationship has been marked by intense rivalry and public feuding, particularly given their shared history in Rivers politics.
But is ADC strong in Rivers? It is coming fast, says an analyst. “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been building its presence in Rivers State, particularly with the recent visit of Rotimi Amaechi, a prominent figure in the party. Here are some key points about ADC’s strength in Rivers State:
His visit drew large crowds, indicating significant support for the party in the state. The ADC has been working to strengthen its grassroots presence and mobilize citizens.
The ADC has declared its intention to create a formidable presence in Rivers State, with plans to conduct congresses and select delegates for a national convention.
The party has signed a Memorandum of understanding with groups like the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), Justice Group, and Farmers Club of Africa, aiming to build a broader coalition and strengthen its base.
The ADC is positioning itself for the 2027 general elections, with leaders like Amaechi and Peter Obi joining the party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the ADC has shown promise, its actual strength in Rivers State will depend on its ability to mobilize voters, build alliances, and deliver on its promises.
Can they mobilise the desired votes? The African Democratic Congress’s ability to mobilize voters hinges on several factors:
Some say, the party lacks a visible grassroots presence in key states, which hampers its ability to mobilize voters effectively. To overcome this, the ADC plans to conduct congresses and select delegates for a national convention, aiming to strengthen its grassroots presence.
The ADC’s leadership, including interim National Chairman David Mark, emphasizes building a robust ideological foundation and engaging citizens through a manifesto drive. This approach may help create a strong party structure.
The party’s candidate selection strategy, particularly the need to field a credible Northern candidate, is crucial for mobilizing voters across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Failure to do so may alienate significant portions of the electorate.
The ADC has gained momentum as a coalition platform for opposition leaders.
This coalition may help mobilize voters, but its success depends on unity and a clear vision.
The party has outlined plans to mobilize 35 million voters and promote policies like a $30 billion power generation initiative and value-added programs for agriculture and solid minerals. Rotimi Amaechi has also urged ADC members to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general election.
What are the challenges ahead?
The ADC lacks clear party membership and institutional support, which is essential for mobilizing voters and winning elections.
Nigeria’s political arena is heavily influenced by regional and ethnic dynamics, making it crucial for the ADC to navigate these complexities effectively.
The party faces stiff competition from established parties like the APC, which has a strong base and significant resources.
Overall, the ADC’s ability to mobilize voters will depend on its capacity to build a strong grassroots presence, select a credible candidate, and navigate Nigeria’s complex regional dynamics.
Is Rotimi Amaechi well liked? His popularity is a mixed bag. On one hand, he has a significant following in Rivers State, as evident from the large crowds that welcomed him during his recent visit. His decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 has garnered support from some quarters. Amaechi’s stance against the current administration’s policies, which he believes have brought hardship to Nigerians, resonates with some people.
On the other hand, Amaechi faces criticism and skepticism from various groups. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned his recent comments about his Igbo heritage, calling him out for being inconsistent and opportunistic. Some people question his credibility and trustworthiness due to his willingness to adapt his stance for political gain.
His supporters see Amaechi as a champion of good governance and a strong leader who can bring about positive change.
His critics view him as a self-serving politician who prioritizes his interests over the needs of others.
Overall, opinions about Amaechi are divided, reflecting the complex nature of Nigerian politics and the diverse perspectives of its citizens.
Rotimi Amaechi is not Igbo by ethnicity. He is from Rivers State, which is located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, and is part of the Ikwerre ethnic group. The Ikwerre people are an ethnic group native to Rivers State, and Amaechi’s background is rooted in this community.
He has a Northern title.
Rotimi Amaechi holds the traditional title of “Dan Amanar Daura,” which roughly translates to “the trusted one of Daura.” This title was conferred upon him by the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouq Umar, in recognition of his service to the nation and his contributions to the Transport sector. Amaechi’s new title is seen as a symbol of appreciation for his work, particularly in connecting the North through rail projects and his role in developing the University of Transport in Daura.
The title was conferred in February 2022 at the Emir’s palace in Daura.
This title strengthens Amaechi’s ties with the North and demonstrates the region’s appreciation for his efforts .
Amaechi’s relationship with the North is further underscored by his recent attendance at former President Muhammadu Buhari’s funeral in Daura, where he wore traditional attire fitting for his title. This gesture has sparked varied reactions, with some viewing it as a sign of respect and others as a political move.
Source:Citypeople
Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has backed the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He expressed his support after joining the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation (TMS), popularly known as the “Tinubu Must Stay” movement, to promote the president’s re-election agenda.
Olujonwo said his decision to join the movement was informed by his longstanding association with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his belief in the need to sustain the policies and reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
He was formally received by the leadership of TMS at a forum in Abuja, where he expressed support for the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and called for increased public awareness of its policies and achievements.
Olujonwo, who serves as president of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) and Project One Nigeria, as well as Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Housing, said he had been associated with the APC since 2014.
Explaining his political background, he said he was familiar with the party’s formation and its relationship with key political figures, including his father, former President Obasanjo, the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu.
“I have been in the APC since 2014. I was there when my father hosted the late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to form the movement. I am not new to the party,” he said.APC party merchandise
He argued that some of the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration were not being adequately communicated to Nigerians, adding that misinformation had contributed to negative perceptions of the government.
Olujonwo cited developments in the education sector, infrastructure and access to student loans as areas he believed deserved greater public attention.
“There is a lot of noise out there, and people are distorting what is going on. ASUU has had no strikes. Students have access to loans. Nigeria has become a massive construction site and an investors’ haven again. These are things we need to promote,” he said.
His decision to join the movement comes as political parties and their supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Tinubu is expected to seek another presidential term.
The move also places the son of the former president within a political platform established to defend the current administration’s policies and encourage public support for continuity in governance.
Welcoming Olujonwo to the movement, the National Coordinator of TMS and Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said his background gave him an understanding of the importance of economic reforms.
Inuwa drew a comparison between the economic reforms introduced during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and those being pursued by Tinubu, arguing that both periods involved policies intended to reshape Nigeria’s economy.
He cited telecommunications liberalisation and banking reforms under the elder Obasanjo as measures that helped establish the foundation for subsequent economic development.
“You grew up in a family that led the second wave of reforms in Nigeria. Telecommunications liberalisation, banking reforms—these laid a solid foundation. Being raised in that family, you understand what reforms mean,” Inuwa said.
He urged Nigerians to consider the long-term implications of government policies, warning that reversing ongoing reforms could undermine investor confidence and disrupt economic progress.
According to him, maintaining policy consistency would be important for attracting investment and sustaining developments in key sectors of the economy.
“We are building investors’ confidence. The naira is becoming strong. Our stock exchange is one of the fastest-growing. The Dangote Refinery is a game changer. If we start reversing these policies, we’ll go back to where we were,” Inuwa added.
Also speaking at the event, Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of TMS and a former coordinator of the Obidient Movement, praised the economic policies implemented during Obasanjo’s presidency.
Ngogbehei highlighted the former president’s role in securing debt relief for Nigeria and supporting the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, describing those measures as important contributions to the country’s economic development.
He said TMS intended to promote discussions about government policies through evidence, research and public engagement rather than propaganda.
“We’re happy you have decided to take this step. Your father was one of those who revolutionised this country. The debt was paid off, and major innovations were introduced in liberalising the economy. This is not about propaganda. We will engage respectfully, factually and transparently,” Ngogbehei said.
The organisation said it had established structures across the country, including a Board of Trustees, national coordinators and specialised directorates, to support its activities.
It also plans to use digital platforms, virtual town hall meetings, policy research and fact-checking initiatives to promote the government’s policies and address what it considers misinformation about the administration.
Following Olujonwo’s reception, TMS announced plans to expand its engagement with professional associations, youth organisations and community groups across the country.
The planned activities are intended to increase public participation in governance and communicate the administration’s policies to Nigerians across different states and geopolitical zones.
Meanwhile, Olusegun Obasanjo has previously expressed concerns about Nigeria’s economic challenges, arguing that the country has sufficient natural and human resources to become prosperous.
In an interview on C-Suite Cafe, hosted by Ikem Okuhu, the former president questioned why Nigeria continued to struggle with poverty despite its agricultural potential, vast land, water resources and large population.Buy Maps
“Give me one reason why Nigeria should be poor. Is it the land that we don’t have or the desert that we are in or the people that we don’t have or the water that we don’t have or the rain that we don’t have?” he asked.
Obasanjo also criticised policies that encourage the importation of goods that could be produced locally, arguing that such practices discourage domestic farmers and undermine local production.
He recalled how restrictions on rice imports were introduced in 1979 to encourage domestic production, claiming that subsequent administrations reversed the policy and allowed imported rice to compete with locally produced varieties.
“When our successors came, one of the first things they did was to lift importation of rice, not to encourage production of rice but to encourage importation of rice, and the farmers couldn’t sell their own rice,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated plans to take disciplinary action against members accused of working against its interests, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among those facing criticism over his alleged support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Access Services
PDP chieftain Emmanuel Ogidi disclosed the party’s position during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.
He discussed the lingering crisis within the opposition party and the steps its leadership intends to take against members accused of undermining its activities.
Ogidi described the situation as internal sabotage and maintained that the party could no longer afford to tolerate actions that weaken its structure, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
He accused Wike of maintaining a relationship with the PDP while allegedly supporting the interests of the APC, arguing that such conduct raised serious questions about loyalty and commitment to the opposition party.
“You can’t serve two masters. He (Wike) is supposed to be serving us in PDP, but he is serving APC. This is a threat to democracy. APC is using him to destroy democracy, and it’s deliberate, but we are very conscious of that and very soon you will hear what will happen,” Ogidi said. Access Services
The PDP chieftain’s comments suggest that the party may be preparing to take a firmer position against members it believes are contributing to its internal difficulties.
However, he did not disclose the specific disciplinary measures being considered or when any formal decision concerning Wike would be announced.
Ogidi also indicated that the party had moved beyond the demands previously presented by Wike’s camp during efforts to resolve the disagreements within the PDP.
His comments point to growing frustration among party members who believe that the disagreements have continued for too long and are affecting the party’s ability to prepare for future elections.
The dispute involving Wike and the PDP has remained a major issue within the party since the 2023 general elections, when divisions emerged over its presidential candidate, the distribution of party positions and disagreements surrounding the political future of its leadership.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, was a prominent PDP member before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as FCT minister in 2023.
His appointment placed him in the cabinet of an APC-led administration despite his continued association with the opposition party.
His role in the federal government has since generated disagreements among PDP members, with some questioning how a senior party figure can serve in an administration controlled by a political opponent while remaining associated with the PDP.
Ogidi, however, insisted that the PDP belongs to its members and supporters rather than any individual or faction.
He argued that no group should be allowed to dictate the party’s direction or prevent it from enforcing its rules.
He further warned that the party’s willingness to reconcile with aggrieved members should not be interpreted as an acceptance of indiscipline.
According to him, efforts to bring members together must be accompanied by accountability for actions considered harmful to the party.
The PDP remains one of Nigeria’s major political parties, but prolonged internal crises could affect its candidate-selection process, campaign planning and efforts to attract voters ahead of 2027.Nigeria travel guide
Despite these challenges, Ogidi maintained that the PDP remained strong and capable of overcoming its current difficulties.
He dismissed suggestions that defections, court cases and disagreements over zoning had rendered the party incapable of competing in future elections.
He said the party was focused on ensuring that its forthcoming convention was successful, describing the exercise as an important step in its preparations for the 2027 polls.
Nevertheless, the exact nature of the proposed action against Wike and other members remains unclear, pending any formal announcement by the party’s authorised organs.
The FCT minister has not been quoted in the remarks provided as responding directly to Ogidi’s latest comments.
The allegations against him should therefore be understood as the position expressed by the PDP chieftain rather than an established finding of wrongdoing.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports of a disagreement between its governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that both sides remain committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the reported disagreement as a ‘false battle’.
He maintained that there was no genuine conflict between the minister and members of the Progressives Governors Forum.
Morka clarified this on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s News Day, following Wike’s inclusion in the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
According to him, the governors and the FCT Minister share a common political objective of ensuring Tinubu’s victory in the next presidential election.
“It was a false battle to begin with. I mean, I don’t think there was any real tension between those positions because they united in their extraordinary commitment to the re-election of the president,” Morka said.
He noted that the Progressive Governors Forum comprised governors elected on the APC platform, while Wike, a former Rivers State governor, was a member of Tinubu’s cabinet and a vocal supporter of the President.
According to him, publication of the presidential campaign council list had also clarified the roles of those involved in Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
He said: “Governors, who are not of the APC, now [are] front and centre, coordinating some of our activities in their respective jurisdictions.”
Morka described the development as a new phase in Nigeria’s democratic politics, arguing that the President was bringing politicians from different parties together around a common objective.
The APC spokesperson claimed that the collaboration was unusual in a presidential system, stressing that Tinubu was transcending party differences by building a coalition of political actors to support his administration and re-election campaign.
He said: “We’re seeing a president who is transcending all of the divides and really nullifying what I call the politics of difference between these partisans and bringing them together under the same umbrella to pursue a common agenda for the good of the people.”
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