Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has ruled out stepping down for anyone in his quest to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Naijaonpoint reports that Amaechi made this known in an interview with BBC Hausa after a meeting with a coalition of traders in Kano state.

Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022, insisted that the ADC primary election must be open, stressing that he would not step aside for any aspirant.

The ADC chieftain maintained that every aspirant in the party had the right to seek the ticket, describing the contest as healthy for internal democracy.

He said, “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.

“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity.”

Speaking on the state of the country, Amaechi said Nigerians were dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu‘s policies and governance style.

He remarked, “Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North-South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere.”

According to Amaechi, Tinubu’s appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion.

He said: “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few individuals close to him, while the majority remain neglected.”

Responding to questions on whether the ADC, like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), might zone its presidential ticket to the South, Amaechi said, “That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”