Port Harcourt, 24 July 2025
As Nigeria gears up for the crucial 2027 general election, former Transport Minister and ex‑Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has reinforced unity within the opposition bloc. Speaking at a rally in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Amaechi declared that all coalition leaders are committed to rallying behind the ultimate African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer.
“The moment anybody emerges from the primary, all of us will support; that’s the agreement. We insist on a free and fair, transparent primary,” Amaechi affirmed.
Opposition Coalition Gears Up to Dethrone Tinubu
The ADC, bolstered by high‑profile figures such as former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar and ex‑Labour Party standard‑bearer Peter Obi, aims to present a unified front to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming polls. Amaechi urged ADC supporters to register en masse across Rivers state with a clear message: “remove the current government”.
Pinpointing the Hardships Within APC's Reign
Addressing the crowd at Port Harcourt International Airport, Amaechi criticized the Tinubu administration, saying:
“If a rich man is spending N4 million a month on electricity…but the masses are struggling…”
He urged citizens to join the ADC to avert what he described as “result‑snatching” during state elections.
Why a United Opposition Could Be a Game‑Changer
Analysts suggest that ADC’s broad platform, filled with former PDP, LP members, and defectors from APC, could shift political dynamics. Since its inception in 2005, ADC has operated as a “big‑tent” party, now strategically positioned as a credible counterforce. Amaechi’s emphasis on a transparent primary and collective support underscores a serious effort to break APC’s hold in 2027.
What Comes Next
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Primary Watch: ADC will conduct a fair and competitive primary to select its presidential flagbearer.
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Coalition Mobilization: Key leaders—Atiku, Obi, Amaechi—are expected to rally regional grassroots support.
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President's Camp Response: Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s APC is fortifying its position, having held a National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on 24 July.
