Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has thrown his weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a rising opposition force, declaring that coalition leaders will unite behind whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for 2027.
Amaechi made the announcement during a gathering with supporters in Port Harcourt, urging citizens—particularly in Rivers State—to register with the ADC and help unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If you’re not tired of President Tinubu, I’m tired. If you’re not hungry, I’m hungry,” Amaechi declared, accusing the current government of failing to address widespread suffering across the country.
“The ADC is here to make you happy,” he added, calling for a transparent and fair primary process to select the party’s presidential flagbearer.Advertisement
Amaechi, who famously fell out with both the PDP and the APC, made a symbolic three-kilometre trek through Port Harcourt—seen as a direct challenge to rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to reclaim political relevance in the oil-rich state.
ADC Slams Tinubu’s Policies as “Disconnected from Reality”
The ADC also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, saying his economic policies have only increased hardship for Nigerians.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said while government officials parade in bloated convoys and live in luxury, ordinary Nigerians are being crushed under the weight of inflation, rising fuel prices, and deteriorating public services.
“If you buy petrol at ₦1,000, at least let me walk into a hospital and get cheaper or free medicine,” Abdullahi said, questioning the lack of visible impact from funds allegedly saved through the fuel subsidy removal.
He also demanded accountability, asking:
“Where is the money going?”
Lamido Distances Himself from ADC Coalition
Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain Sule Lamido dismissed the ADC coalition as a gathering of “individuals, not institutions.”
Though open to working with any movement aimed at saving Nigeria, Lamido ruled out joining ADC or any coalition lacking strong political structures.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of weaponising state institutions to blackmail opposition figures into defecting to APC, citing the sudden disappearance of legal cases against former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa after his defection as a prime example.
“This government is destroying democracy through intimidation, blackmail, and patronage,” Lamido said during a media interaction in Kano.
APC Reacts, Says “No Dignity in Response”
A Presidency source dismissed criticisms from opposition voices, claiming Tinubu’s policies have started bearing fruit and will ultimately improve citizens’ lives.
“We cannot dignify them with a response,” the source said.
However, critics argue that after two years, most Nigerians are still waiting for the promised “reward after suffering.”
NIAM Joins ADC Movement
In a related development, the Non-Indigenes Alliance Movement (NIAM), Port Harcourt chapter, pledged full support to ADC’s 2027 presidential candidate, declaring their mission to “dethrone the APC through a free and fair election.”
“ADC has come to change the narrative,” said NIAM leader Chief Mike Oyiakhire at the Port Harcourt airport rally.
Can ADC Capitalize on Discontent?
As economic pressure and political disillusionment mount, the ADC appears poised to capitalize on national frustration—provided it can maintain unity and produce a credible presidential candidate.
However, with the PDP fragmented and key figures like Lamido refusing to join the ADC coalition, the road to 2027 remains uncertain—and fraught with political landmines.
