Otubanjo Questions Amaechi’s Presidential Ambition
Prof. Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), expressed surprise that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is pursuing the presidency, arguing that Amaechi lacks the political weight needed for a serious national race.
He stated that Amaechi should not have entered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that the former Minister of Transportation does not possess the necessary structure or influence to mount a credible challenge.
Otubanjo added that the primary results showed Amaechi posed no real threat to Atiku’s ambition within the ADC, saying, “Amaechi should not have bothered himself.”
The analyst also cast doubt on Atiku’s prospects of gaining strong backing from Southern Nigeria in the 2027 election, warning that the ADC’s weak southern structure could hinder the former vice president’s chances.
He remarked that, aside from Amaechi, the ADC has no prominent southern figures capable of delivering meaningful votes, and even Amaechi does not constitute an asset for the party.
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