Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, has alleged that he was forced out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.
Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Friday.
According to him, the political structure in Rivers State was taken over during Jonathan’s administration, leaving him with no option but to exit the party in 2013. He noted that similar political pressures later surfaced during his time in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reflecting on his political journey, Amaechi stated that he has consistently spoken out against injustice, even when it comes at a personal cost.
On the 2027 presidential race, the former minister of transportation, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he would support Atiku Abubakar if he emerges as the party’s candidate—provided he wins through a credible primary election.
Amaechi rejected the idea of adopting a consensus candidate, emphasizing that aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity through a transparent electoral process.
He also dismissed the relevance of zoning in leadership selection, arguing that competence should take precedence over regional considerations.
Describing Nigeria’s current challenges, Amaechi said citizens are in urgent need of effective leadership capable of addressing economic hardship and insecurity. He stressed that the role of president requires energy, responsiveness, and the ability to engage directly with national issues.
Amaechi further called for inclusive governance, warning that neglecting ethnic, religious, and economic balance could deepen public dissatisfaction and fuel unrest.
He concluded by reiterating his readiness to contest for the presidency, positioning himself as a capable leader with the experience to tackle the country’s pressing challenges.
