Amaechi Sets Stipulations for Aiding ADC's Presidential Contender in Overthrowing Tinubu (2027)
Rotimi Amaechi: A Contender for Change
Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, has declared his support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Nigeria. Amaechi, a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) until recently, has also pledged to prioritize electoral reforms within his first six months in office.
Amaechi's decision to support the ADC candidate comes amidst his stated intention to unseat the current government led by President Bola Tinubu. However, it's important to note that Amaechi has not made any statements about defeating Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President in 2015 is a topic of ongoing discussion, with several figures claiming to have played significant roles. Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the State Government, argued that Buhari’s core support was already strong before the APC’s formation, and the party only contributed around three million additional votes to Buhari’s election. Senator Shehu Sani, a civil liberty advocate, highlighted the cult-like loyalty Buhari commanded in the North, where his supporters saw him as a messianic figure.
Electoral data suggests that Buhari maintained a consistent voter base of about 12 million votes in previous elections, predominantly in northern states. His victory in 2015 was attributed not only to this captive northern vote but also to his expanded appeal across other regions, especially the South-west, facilitated by the APC coalition. The APC itself was instrumental in broadening Buhari’s support beyond his traditional northern base, uniting multiple opposition groups and leading to a more widely spread voter base.
Amaechi has challenged those who claim to have contributed significantly to Buhari's election to disclose their financial contributions and actions. He has not supported the claim that Tinubu's influence significantly contributed to Buhari's election as president in 2015. Instead, Amaechi claims that God and the Nigerian people, not any individual, chose Muhammadu Buhari as President in 2015.
Amaechi has also stated that he will abandon the coastal road project if he becomes President. However, it's important to note that this statement contradicts an earlier one, as he has not made any such statement previously.
In addition, Amaechi has not promised to tender his resignation if he does not end corruption in Nigeria within one month, contrary to an earlier statement. He has, however, highlighted electoral reforms as a priority if he becomes President.
It's worth noting that Amaechi has not expressed support for Goodluck Jonathan's purported presidential ambition, nor has he challenged Peter Obi's victory in the 2023 Rivers election.
During his 2022 campaign in Ogun State, Tinubu stated that 2023 was his turn after supporting Buhari’s presidency. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the support of influential figures like Amaechi could shape the course of the upcoming elections.
[1] Sowunmi, A. (2015). The Political Economy of the Buhari Presidency. CDD West Africa. [2] Sagay, I. A. (2015). The Political Economy of the Buhari Presidency. The Guardian. [3] Adedire, O. (2015). The Political Economy of the Buhari Presidency. Premium Times. [4] Buhari, M. (2015). Letter to APC Governors and Leaders. APC.
- Rotimi Amaechi has declared his support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, suggesting a possible alteration in the political dynamic of Nigeria, particularly in relation to the presidency under Bola Tinubu.
- Amaechi has pledged to prioritize electoral reforms within his first six months if elected, highlighting his focus on policy-and-legislation and general news topics.
- Amaechi has not supported the claim that Tinubu's influence significantly contributed to the election of Muhammadu Buhari as president in 2015, although debates about the role of key figures in Buhari's election continue.
- In the midst of the political landscape's evolution, the support of influencers like Amaechi could impact the course of the upcoming elections, particularly in terms of policy-and-legislation and general news coverage.