Amaechi Vows Support for ADC Presidential Candidate as Opposition Unites for 2027

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that leaders of the newly formed political coalition will unite behind whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the influential politician and former Rivers State governor emphasized that opposition figures are determined to present a united front capable of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaechi stated that the coalition, made up of political heavyweights from various parties, will throw their collective weight behind the ADC’s flagbearer, provided the party conducts a primary election that is free, fair, and transparent.

“The moment anybody emerges from the primary, all of us will support. That’s the agreement,” Amaechi told journalists. “We insist on a free and fair, transparent primary.”

This marks a significant pivot for the former APC chieftain, who played a major role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 but has since parted ways with the ruling party. His open endorsement of ADC as the new opposition platform signals growing dissatisfaction with the current political leadership.

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Uniting for a Common Goal: End APC Rule

Amaechi also made a passionate appeal to indigenes of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to rally behind the ADC, positioning it as the viable alternative to the APC-led government. He said that the country’s worsening economic hardship, widespread hunger, and insecurity have made change inevitable.

“Every Rivers man who thinks good of the state and country should move to register with the new party and ensure that we remove the current government and stop the hunger that everybody is suffering from,” Amaechi urged.

His call resonates with many Nigerians increasingly disillusioned by inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs under the APC administration. Analysts believe this new coalition could gain significant traction if it manages to maintain unity and produce a consensus candidate through an inclusive process.

A Coalition of Political Titans

The coalition backing the ADC is not short on political muscle. It includes some of the most recognizable names in Nigerian politics. Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, both of whom finished as runners-up in the 2023 presidential election. Their participation suggests a broad consensus among opposition elites that Nigeria cannot afford another four years under the APC.

Others in the coalition include former Senate President David Mark, who now serves as the interim chairman of the group, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. These figures represent various regions and political blocs, strengthening the group’s national reach.

At the coalition’s official unveiling on July 2, Mark described the alliance as an effort to save Nigeria’s democracy from the threat of a one-party state. “This coalition is not about ambition. It is about Nigeria,” Mark said. “We must halt the drift and offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.”

ADC as a Vehicle for Change

The African Democratic Congress, though previously a fringe party, has suddenly become a focal point for national political reorganization. With the adoption of ADC as the coalition’s platform, expectations are high that it will serve as the launchpad for a serious and coordinated challenge to the APC’s hold on power.

For many, the ADC now represents a convergence of ideologies and experiences—from technocrats like Peter Obi to career politicians like Atiku and El-Rufai. This diversity, if well-managed, could resonate with Nigerians looking for both competence and stability.

The party’s next big test will be its presidential primary. Political observers say the outcome of that process—and how it is handled—will determine whether the coalition can maintain its fragile unity. A transparent and credible primary would give the coalition a strong foundation heading into the 2027 elections.

A Pivotal Moment for Nigeria’s Political Future

Amaechi’s support and public declaration mark a turning point in the emerging opposition strategy. It not only signals a broad realignment of forces ahead of 2027 but also raises the stakes for both the ruling party and the Nigerian electorate.

As the political atmosphere intensifies in the coming months, the ADC and its coalition partners will be under pressure to prove they are more than just a group of disgruntled politicians. They must demonstrate vision, policy coherence, and the ability to govern effectively if given the mandate.

For now, their message is clear: unity, transparency, and a shared goal of rescuing Nigeria from the current socio-economic and political crisis. Whether that message resonates with voters in 2027 will be the ultimate test.