LAGOS, Nigeria – June 11, 2025 – Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his intention to spearhead an opposition alliance to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Citing Nigeria’s deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and widespread disillusionment with the current administration, Amaechi’s bold stance signals a potential seismic shift in the country’s political landscape as the next election cycle approaches.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Amaechi, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed frustration with the state of the nation under Tinubu’s leadership. “The hunger, poverty, and insecurity in Nigeria today are unbearable,” he stated, pointing to the removal of fuel subsidies and electricity tariff hikes that have driven up living costs and pushed millions deeper into poverty. “I cannot sit idly by while Nigerians suffer. We are working on a coalition to provide an alternative in 2027.” While Amaechi did not confirm his own presidential candidacy, he hinted that his decision would become clearer “with time,” leaving room for speculation about his ambitions.
Amaechi’s remarks come amid growing political maneuvering, as opposition leaders seek to capitalize on public discontent. Sources close to the former minister reveal he is actively involved in forming a broad-based coalition, potentially including heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. A recent report indicated that Amaechi is leading a committee to explore registering a new political party, while former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke heads a parallel effort to merge with an existing platform. This dual strategy underscores the opposition’s determination to present a united front against Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The former minister’s criticisms of Tinubu are not new. At an event marking his 60th birthday on May 31, 2025, Amaechi revealed that he had warned Tinubu before the 2023 election of his doubts about the then-candidate’s capacity to govern effectively. “I told him in Yola that I wouldn’t support or vote for him,” Amaechi recounted, a stance he claims was vindicated by the administration’s struggles. He argued that a united opposition could oust Tinubu in 2027, emphasizing that “the power lies with the people, and they are tired of this hardship.”
Amaechi’s call for opposition unity resonates with many Nigerians grappling with economic challenges. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 led to petrol prices soaring above N1,000 per litre, while inflation has eroded purchasing power, leaving families struggling to afford basic necessities. Insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings, continues to plague parts of the country, further fueling public frustration. At a book launch on May 14, 2025, Amaechi lamented that he and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido would have fiercely opposed Tinubu’s policies if they were still in office, signaling his readiness to confront the administration head-on.
However, Amaechi’s outspokenness has not been without controversy. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, recently condemned his remarks as “reckless and incendiary,” particularly citing his alleged call for “brutal force” to challenge Tinubu. In a statement on February 1, 2025, the group urged Amaechi to retract his comments, arguing they undermine democratic principles and risk inciting unrest. Similarly, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle accused Amaechi of inciting violence, pointing to his remarks about politicians needing to “steal, maim, and kill” to retain power. Matawalle called for security agencies to monitor Amaechi, labeling his rhetoric a threat to national stability.
Critics have also questioned Amaechi’s motives and political clout. Senator Shehu Sani, in a June 6, 2025, interview, accused Amaechi and El-Rufai of hypocrisy, arguing that their tenures as governors were marred by similar issues of poverty and insecurity they now criticize. “They are speaking out of personal disappointment, not genuine concern,” Sani claimed. Additionally, some observers note that Tinubu’s victory in Rivers State in 2023, despite Amaechi’s opposition, suggests the former minister’s influence in his home state may be waning.
Despite these criticisms, Amaechi remains undeterred, framing his efforts as a patriotic duty to rescue Nigeria from economic collapse and governance failures. His allies argue that his experience as a two-term governor and key minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari positions him as a formidable player in any opposition coalition. Amaechi’s tenure saw significant infrastructure projects, including the modernization of Nigeria’s railway system, which his supporters cite as evidence of his capacity to deliver.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Amaechi’s coalition-building efforts could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics. Whether he chooses to run for president or play a kingmaker role, his commitment to challenging Tinubu is clear. “This is about Nigeria’s future,” he told the BBC. “We must come together to offer hope and leadership.” With economic hardship and public discontent as powerful catalysts, Amaechi’s opposition alliance could pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election.
For now, the political chessboard is being set, and Amaechi’s next moves will be closely watched as Nigeria navigates its turbulent path toward 2027.
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