Amaechi Demands ADC Primary Election for 2027 Ticket

• Amaechi Demands Primary Election in ADC, Rejects Consensus as He Eyes 2027 Ticket

Rotimi Amaechi has insisted the African Democratic Congress must hold a primary election to choose its presidential candidate for 2027. The former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State governor rejected any push for a consensus candidate among opposition leaders.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Amaechi argued that democracy demands competition at the primaries. He said those calling for consensus are missing the point of letting party members decide.

“A 49-year-old has been elected in Benin Republic. How will any president in his 70s work?” Amaechi asked. He pointed to Romuald Wadagni’s landslide victory in Benin’s presidential poll last weekend as proof that younger leaders can deliver.

The 60-year-old politician described himself as the youngest among current ADC presidential aspirants. “I’m the youngest candidate among all those running now, I’m 60,” he declared.

NaijaChoice News reports that Amaechi’s position comes as the ADC tries to rally opposition forces against the ruling APC. He has already declared his intention to contest the party’s primaries and vowed to support whoever emerges.

The remarks highlight fresh cracks in the opposition camp, where figures like Atiku Abubakar are also eyeing the ticket. Amaechi maintained he would back the winner after a proper primary.

Party sources say Amaechi enjoys backing from some South-South leaders following the recent ADC convention. He urged the party to focus on competence and electability rather than internal deals.