I don’t care about Atiku, Obi running, I can solve Nigeria’s problems – Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared confidence in his ability to address Nigeria’s challenges, saying his record in governance and infrastructure development positions him as a strong contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi, who spoke on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme on Friday, said he is not distracted by other political contenders, insisting that his focus is on presenting himself as a “Nigerian candidate” capable of delivering solutions.

“I don’t care who else is running. I’m running because I’m a Nigerian candidate. Because I know the Nigerian problem. And I can solve the Nigerian problem,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor pointed to major infrastructure projects executed during his time in office, including rail development and port-related reforms, as evidence of his capacity to manage national challenges.

He also claimed that his tenure in government included efforts to tackle insecurity, arguing that his performance sets him apart from other aspirants in the emerging 2027 race.

Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the economic situation in the country had worsened under the current government.

According to him, Nigerians are currently facing severe hardship, with rising costs affecting transportation, fuel, and basic living expenses.

“Everybody is suffering, everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, can’t travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of transportation; everything is skyrocketing,” he said.

He further accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises, adding that public frustration was growing across the country.

“For Christ’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the right to speak, he doesn’t. He promised power and said if he doesn’t give power, they should not vote for him. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out,” Amaechi said.

The former minister also alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the elections, calling for independence of key democratic institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.

“Whether free, fair or not free, if we [ADC] are on the ballot, President Bola Tinubu will lose the election. The problem is he does not want a strong candidate on the ballot,” he added.

Amaechi is among several prominent political figures positioning for the 2027 presidential race under the opposition coalition platform, alongside Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential election for January 16, 2027, while party primaries are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.