‘I’m Not a Regional Candidate ‘ – Amaechi Says, Rejects Consensus Candidate

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his opposition to the idea of adopting a consensus candidate within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that a transparent primary election remains the only legitimate path to selecting the party’s presidential flagbearer.

“There must be a primary election in the ADC. I don’t agree with those who say there should be a consensus candidate.”

Amaechi, who was speaking on Channels Television Morning Brief programme on Friday also addressed the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, acknowledged that while Atiku has the constitutional right to contest, broader considerations must be taken into account beyond regional affiliations.

He emphasised that his own ambition is not rooted in ethnic identity, noting that although he is partially of Igbo descent, he does not expect support based on that alone.

“I’m not a regional candidate but others are so I’m not saying vote for me because I’m from Igbo even though I’m partially Igbo,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s political challenges have been exacerbated by overreliance on religion and regional considerations in leadership selection.

According to him, the current economic hardship facing Nigerians demonstrates that such divisions offer no real solutions.

The former Rivers State governor also highlighted the need for capable leadership, stressing that the presidency requires energy, responsiveness, and a hands-on approach to governance.

He pointed to the example of a 49-year-old leader recently elected in the Benin Republic, contrasting it with Nigeria’s ageing political class. Amaechi, who is 60, described himself as the youngest among the current aspirants and argued that the role demands physical and mental agility.

“This job requires the capacity to wake up in the morning, go out, and find out what’s happening in Jos, Borno and other places across the country,” he said, citing cities like Jos as examples of areas that demand active presidential attention.

Amaechi also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, stating that the current administration lacks the moral authority to address Nigerians amid growing economic hardship.

“What brought Nigerians to this point was religion and regional ticket; today, they discovered that the market does not know Christian or Muslim. Now everyone is suffering, people can’t buy what to eat or fuel their cars to travel. President Bola Tinubu does not have the right to speak, he doesn’t.”

He noted that citizens are struggling with rising costs of food and fuel, underscoring what he described as a disconnect between leadership and the realities faced by ordinary people.

He reiterated his belief that only the most qualified candidates should emerge through a credible democratic process, warning against shortcuts that could undermine public trust in the electoral system.