Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he did not purchase the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination and expression of interest forms to serve as anyone’s running mate.Speaking to journalists shortly after participating in the party’s presidential screening exercise on Wednesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Amaechi said he bought the forms to contest for the presidency.
“I didn’t buy the presidential form to be Vice President,” he stated firmly
Amaechi, who was among three presidential aspirants screened by the ADC, said he assumed the exercise went well, noting that having served as a governor, there was nothing he could have done to warrant disqualification. He said he was awaiting the official outcome from the screening committee chaired by former Cross River Governor, Liyel Imoke.
Open to Consensus if Transparent
On the raging debate over consensus versus direct primaries, Amaechi said he would accept a consensus arrangement provided it was transparent and inclusive.“I’m a member of the party. So, if that is the party’s decision, and it is a process all of us participate in, then why not?” he said. The former Minister stressed that his performance as governor of Rivers State would form a major part of his campaign credentials.
Highlights Governance Record
During the interaction, Amaechi also spoke about his achievements in Rivers State, particularly in education and healthcare. He said his administration improved public schools to the point where many parents began withdrawing their children from private schools to enrol them in government schools.
On healthcare, he said the state doubled the number of doctors from 200 to 600 and introduced a system where government paid hospitals and primary healthcare centres based on patient volume.
He further stated that if given the opportunity to lead, he would prioritise citizenship over ethnic, regional or religious considerations, arguing that the current federal character system exists because of perceived unfairness in the polity.
ADC Screening Exercise
The screening, which held behind closed doors, also involved former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The three aspirants are expected to know their fate ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 25.
The ADC has not yet decided whether it will adopt a consensus candidate or conduct direct primaries.In a video of the press interaction shared on its official X handle on Thursday, the ADC described the session as focused on leadership, governance, national unity, economic recovery and the future of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi’s comments come amid growing internal discussions within the ADC on the best way to select its presidential flagbearer, with some stakeholders pushing for consensus while others insist on primaries.The party has positioned itself as a credible alternative platform for Nigerians seeking a new direction in 2027.
