Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that Nigeria’s next president should emerge from the South, stressing that leadership must be rooted in merit, competence, and integrity not dictated by regional power dynamics or entitlement.
In an interview with Channels Television, Amaechi described the forthcoming 2027 general elections as a defining moment, characterizing it as a showdown between ordinary Nigerians and a self-serving political elite.
He called on citizens to support a movement grounded in justice, accountability, and meaningful reform.
“Nigeria belongs to every one of us. A sustainable democracy cannot thrive under regional domination or exclusion,” he said. “There are capable leaders in the South. It’s time for balance and results.”
Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers State, emphasized that the 2027 election should go beyond party affiliations. He urged Nigerians to look past traditional political loyalties and instead back a movement focused on delivering tangible progress.
“This isn’t about party politics anymore. It’s Nigerians against the elite. If the people want genuine change, the South is ready to provide it,” he added. “We’re building a platform that prioritizes every Nigerian’s voice and future.”
Now affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader opposition alliance, Amaechi revealed that he and his allies are working to register a new political vehicle the African Democratic Alliance (ADA).
He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of stalling its registration to prevent credible alternatives from emerging.
“INEC is deliberately shrinking the political space to suppress new platforms like ADA,” he alleged. “The South has been marginalized for too long. We have the experience and integrity to lead. The time is now.”
Reflecting on his time as Rivers governor, Amaechi pointed to his record in education, security, and rural development as evidence of what effective leadership can achieve.
“If I were president today, Nigerians wouldn’t be this hungry. We built schools with computers in every village, boosted agriculture, and practiced transparency,” he said. “Leadership is about service and I’ve proven that it can be done.”
He also delivered sharp criticism of the current APC-led administration, blaming it for economic hardship and growing insecurity.
“This government has failed. People are suffering, prices are soaring, and insecurity is rampant,” he said. “This isn’t about my ambition it’s about Nigeria. Once the platform is ready, we’ll discuss candidates. But yes, I’m prepared and qualified to lead.”
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