‘I’m the Most Experienced and Most Electable’ — Amaechi Declares Superiority Over Atiku, Other ADC Presidential Aspirants

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has boldly declared himself the most qualified and experienced presidential aspirant within the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi made the declaration during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, where he argued that his extensive political background and leadership record place him ahead of other contenders seeking the ADC presidential ticket.

The former minister is expected to battle notable political figures within the party, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Northern Nigeria Development Company boss, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Speaking confidently about his credentials, Amaechi insisted that none of the aspirants currently eyeing the presidency within the ADC possesses his level of political exposure and administrative experience.

“I’m the most experienced of them all. I’m the youngest but most experienced,” Amaechi said during the interview.

The former Rivers governor highlighted several positions he has held over the years, arguing that they have given him a deep understanding of governance, legislative leadership, and national politics.

Amaechi pointed to his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, noting that even President Bola Tinubu never occupied such a position despite previously serving as governor of Lagos State.

“I have been chairman of the Governors’ Forum. None of them, including President Tinubu, has been chairman of the Governors’ Forum because he was once a governor,” he stated.

He also referenced his time as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and chairman of the Conference of Speakers, claiming he played a major role in institutionalising the body at the national level.

According to Amaechi, he not only led the Speakers’ Conference but also established its office in Abuja and successfully managed its affairs for two terms.

The former minister further downplayed President Tinubu’s legislative experience, noting that although Tinubu once served as a senator, he did not occupy major leadership positions in the National Assembly.

“In fact, President Tinubu was partially in the parliament as a senator. But how long was he a senator? And what positions did he hold in the Senate?” Amaechi queried.

Amaechi also recalled the controversy surrounding his re-election as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, revealing that he became the first person to serve two terms in the position.

According to him, his return for a second tenure faced resistance from the presidency at the time due to the growing influence of the Governors’ Forum under his leadership.

He recounted a conversation with a former president who allegedly accused him of turning the forum into a “labour union” because governors under his leadership frequently challenged federal policies and decisions.

Amaechi said he responded by insisting that he merely represented the collective position of governors across the country rather than pursuing any personal agenda.

“The governors made the decisions, and I only announced them,” he explained.

The former minister’s comments are expected to further intensify political conversations within the ADC as the race for the party’s presidential ticket gradually begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.