A former Rivers State governor and ex-minister of transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Kano, Amaechi said he is fully committed to the race and has no plans to step down for any other aspirant.

“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027,” he said. “I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”

Amaechi, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he remains the most prepared among the presidential hopefuls.

“If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, who is better prepared than I am? My candidacy offers unity because I come from the south, and we are not in conflict with any region,” he declared.

The former governor dismissed suggestions that his political influence in Rivers State has been eroded by Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor and current FCT minister.

“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue, and nobody paid for that mobilisation. That should tell you where the people stand,” he said.

Amaechi also criticized the Bola Tinubu administration, insisting Nigerians are disillusioned and will vote for change.

“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain: time is up,” he said. “Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the south. People are suffering everywhere.”

His declaration comes weeks after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also indicated interest in the 2027 race, with speculation rife about his possible alignment with the ADC.

Amaechi had earlier vowed that if he secures the party’s ticket, he would defeat Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.