Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for Nigeria’s next president to emerge from the South, insisting that leadership must be driven by competence and character rather than regional dominance or political entitlement.
Amaechi made the call during a live interview on Channels Television, describing the 2027 general elections as a decisive contest between “ordinary Nigerians and the entrenched political elite.” He argued that the current political order is broken and requires urgent correction through a national movement focused on equity, accountability, and genuine change.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We cannot sustain a democracy where one region dominates while others are locked out,” Amaechi said. “The South has capable leaders. It’s time to restore balance and deliver real results.”
Speaking further, the former governor of Rivers State declared that the coming polls should not be reduced to party politics but rather a referendum on leadership failure and citizen empowerment.
“This election is no longer about party loyalty. It is Nigerians versus the political elite. If you want change, real change, then it’s time to rise. The South is ready to lead. We’re building a platform that gives every Nigerian a voice and hope,” he said.
Amaechi, who has aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to build a strong opposition bloc, revealed that discussions are ongoing around a new political platform, the African Democratic Alliance (ADA). He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of frustrating its registration to prevent credible alternatives from contesting in 2027.
“INEC is deliberately closing the political space to prevent credible alternatives like ADA from emerging,” he alleged. “The South has been sidelined for too long. We have leaders with experience and integrity. It’s time we take the lead again.”
Reflecting on his track record in public service, Amaechi highlighted his achievements in security, education, and rural development during his tenure as Rivers State governor. According to him, Nigeria’s current struggles with hunger, unemployment, and insecurity would have been avoided with the right leadership in place.
“If I were president today, Nigerians would not be this hungry. I built schools in every village with computer access, created jobs through agricultural programs, and ensured transparency in spending. I’ve shown what’s possible with the right leadership,” he stated.
Amaechi did not hold back his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party under which he previously served in the federal government.
“This administration is worse than the previous one. People are hungry. Insecurity is rising. The cost of living is out of control. This isn’t about me, it’s about Nigeria,” he declared. “Once the platform is in place, we’ll talk about who runs. But yes, I am ready and capable of leading this country.”
Amaechi’s positioning comes at a time when conversations around power rotation and national inclusion are gaining fresh momentum. His alignment with the ADC and push for a new coalition reflect growing dissatisfaction among political heavyweights with the current structure. For now, Amaechi appears to be laying the groundwork for a serious bid and setting the tone for a contest.
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