Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
Rotimi Amaechi, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Rivers State, has expressed readiness to form an opposition alliance to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Amaechi cited worsening economic hardship in the country as a major reason for his decision.
Amaechi lamented the current state of the nation, describing the rising hunger and poverty as alarming, narrated a recent incident where he came across a corpse by the roadside, attributing it to worsening food insecurity.
“People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger,” he said, insisting that even he, as a prominent figure, is not insulated from the crisis.
While Amaechi stated that he is not currently planning to run for president, he added that it remains a possibility because he believes he still has something to offer.
“Certainly, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution,” he said.
This statement comes less than a month after APC leaders endorsed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi revealed that he is in talks with other concerned Nigerians who believe the country is being mismanaged to form a united front.
His statement aligns with moves by major opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, to form a united coalition ahead of 2027.
The former governor emphasized the need for change, stating that the country has become stagnant.
“We’re thinking that if we come together and win the election, the country will certainly witness change,” he added.
Amaechi also reflected on his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, recalling that the number of out-of-school children had increased since his time in office.
He linked the Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges to hunger and economic despair.
“I’ve always said that Boko Haram is not a religious crisis. Many of those involved are doing it out of desperation and hunger,” he said.
Amaechi dismissed claims that his influence has waned after his exit from the federal cabinet.
“Go to Port Harcourt and ask around—from the airport, you’ll see for yourself,” he said, confident in his enduring presence in Rivers State.
