Former Minister of Transportation and two-term Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed readiness to support the formation of a broad opposition alliance to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing worsening economic hardship and insecurity across the country. Amaechi, who ran in the 2022 APC presidential primaries, positioning himself as a candidate with proven governance and national experience, said current national conditions demanded “real change” — and warned that loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not mean blind support for government failures.“If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you’re in the same party. You know that’s not right,” Amaechi said in an interview with the BBC, as reported by Daily Trust.
While not formally declaring another presidential run, Amaechi left the door open, stating, “Certainly, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution.”The former governor’s remarks come less than a month after APC leaders endorsed President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for 2027. However, Amaechi stressed that constructive criticism was essential and that Nigerians expected the truth from their leaders.
He painted a grim picture of the current economic reality, decrying rising hunger and poverty. He shared a personal account of encountering a corpse by the roadside — a tragedy he linked to worsening food insecurity.
“People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger. The truth is, I’m also feeling the hunger,” he said.
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Amaechi confirmed that he was in talks with other political figures and concerned Nigerians to form a potential united front aimed at restoring national direction.
“We’re thinking that if we come together and win the election, the country will certainly witness change,” he added.
His comments come amid similar coalition-building efforts by opposition heavyweights, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, once a key Tinubu campaigner, has also hinted at supporting an opposition alliance.
Yet, some analysts warn of growing one-party dominance, as several opposition politicians have defected to the APC in recent months. Reflecting on national challenges, Amaechi cited growing insecurity and educational decline. He recalled that during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the number of out-of-school children was around 10 million. “The number has since increased,” he lamented.
He also highlighted persistent crises: the farmer-herder conflict, rampant kidnappings for ransom, and the lingering Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.
“I’ve always said that Boko Haram is not a religious crisis. Many of those involved are doing it out of desperation and hunger,” Amaechi argued.
Despite government claims of progress, insecurity remains a key concern. A recent report by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission revealed that 570 people were killed in April 2025 alone.
On questions about his current political influence, particularly in Rivers State, Amaechi dismissed suggestions of waning clout.
“Go to Port Harcourt and ask around — from the airport, you’ll see for yourself,” he said.
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, Amaechi’s comments mark a clear signal that key political realignments may be taking shape — and that voices within the APC itself are preparing to chart alternative courses in the face of growing national discontent.
