Gunmen Attack Rotimi Amaechi Convoy As ADC Office, Family Home Targeted In Rivers

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, survived an attack on his convoy on Friday along the Ubima-Omuanwa road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Amaechi was en route to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his ward in Ubima when gunmen attempted to ambush his convoy. Security personnel assigned to him quickly overpowered the attackers. Earlier in the day, unidentified individuals reportedly set parts of the ADC office in Ubima on fire and also attacked Amaechi’s family home. After completing his registration on the ADC digital platform, Amaechi commended security operatives for thwarting the attack and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible. He urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing that the incident would not stop him from interacting with party members. “Our role is to be calm, be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. It will not put food on your table,” Amaechi said. He further emphasized, “Tell them we are hungry. People are dying every day because of hunger, and a few people are stealing our money while telling us to remain silent. We can no longer keep quiet.” Amaechi encouraged residents of Rivers State to register with the ADC to ensure their participation in the party’s primary elections. Attempts to reach Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, for comment on the attack were unsuccessful.

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My Lecture at Dangote University Cancelled Last Minute – Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has reacted to the last-minute cancellation of a lecture he was scheduled to deliver at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Kano. Amaechi told journalists in Kano on Wednesday evening that he was informed of the cancellation just two hours before the programme was due to begin. According to reports by RFI Hausa, he had already arrived in the state for the event when the notice was conveyed to him. The former Rivers State governor explained that the university management had initially approved his visit following an invitation from student leaders who requested that he address them. “I was informed only two hours before the programme that the lecture had been cancelled,” Amaechi said, expressing surprise at the sudden decision. He stated that the university authorities cited security concerns as the reason for calling off the event. Amaechi added that, as a law-abiding citizen, he chose not to proceed with the programme once it was officially cancelled. However, he alleged that the development was politically motivated, claiming that the Tinubu administration was apprehensive of opposition voices. According to him, the federal government is “afraid” and has begun taking measures against opposition figures. The university has yet to issue a detailed public statement beyond the cited security concerns.

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Nigeria Was Better Under Buhari Than Now – Rotimi Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that Nigerians were better off under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari than they are under the current government. Amaechi made the statement on Monday while speaking at the ongoing electoral reform protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he argued that living conditions in the country have significantly worsened. The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” drew a large crowd of Nigerian youths and activists who converged to express concerns over electoral reforms, democratic accountability, and the rejection of real-time electronic transmission of election results. According to Amaechi, the quality of life for Nigerians has declined sharply compared to the period under Buhari’s leadership. “Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now than during the time of former President Buhari, even though we were planning to remove subsidy,” he said. Amaechi’s presence at the protest was driven by calls for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, an issue that has generated widespread public outrage following the Senate’s decision to reject the proposal during deliberations on electoral reforms. The former minister’s comments add to growing public debate over governance, economic hardship, and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

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I Have No Intention Of Being Anyone’s Running Mate, Says Amaechi, Eyes 2027 Presidency

“I have no intention of being anyone’s running mate,” former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has declared, reaffirming his ambition to contest the presidency in the 2027 elections. Amaechi made the position clear through his media aide, David Iyofor, rejecting suggestions that he could serve as a vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any joint presidential ticket. “Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not,” Iyofor said. The clarification follows remarks by Atiku’s ally, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, who suggested Amaechi could be considered as a running mate if 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi chooses to run independently. Momodu had said, “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. Amaechi single-handedly handed power to Buhari… If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.” Amaechi’s team stressed that the former Rivers State governor is focused on securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, highlighting his belief that it is Southern Nigeria’s turn to produce the next president. “Iyofor added, “Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of any talk to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody. Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate.” Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2023, officially defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election.

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2027: Martha Agba South-South APC Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for Second Term

Prominent political leader Martha Agba joined key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin City for a high-level South-South Stakeholders Meeting, where the region formally reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The strategic gathering brought together a formidable coalition of APC faithful, including Governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States, zonal party executives, and former governors—most notably Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State. The President of the Senate led a robust delegation of National Assembly members from the region, underscoring growing internal unity and the APC’s preparedness to retain national leadership. Addressing the gathering, Martha Agba restated her unwavering support for President Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, pledging to continue mobilizing grassroots support for their re-election efforts. She also used the platform to encourage young women across the South-South to take active roles in politics, urging them to prepare for elective positions in 2027. “Inclusive participation is essential for a truly representative democracy,” she said. The meeting concluded with the Senate President delivering the closing remarks and reading a communiqué in which the APC South-South leaders unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term. With this endorsement, the APC aims to consolidate its base across the South-South, rallying support amid a tightening race as opposition forces also mobilize nationwide.

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2027: ADC Coalition Leaders Begin Grassroots Mobilisation Nationwide

Published: July 6, 2025 | By Kamal Yalwa As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections draw closer, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition has officially begun grassroots mobilisation efforts across the country. The coalition’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, and national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have returned to their respective states—Benue and Osun—to galvanise support from local political bases. According to sources within the party, each coalition leader has been assigned a geo-political zone for mobilisation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will lead mobilisation efforts in the North East, Mark in the North Central, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai in the North West. In the southern regions, Peter Obi will coordinate activities in the South East, Rotimi Amaechi in the South-South, and Aregbesola in the South West. While Mark’s presence in Benue coincided with a family event, insiders say he is expected to meet local political stakeholders. Aregbesola, meanwhile, was welcomed by loyalists as he transited through Lagos to Osun State. Atiku reportedly met with ADC leaders from Gombe State in Abuja last Friday, indicating an intensifying momentum. Confirming the developments, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said coalition leaders had been directed to consult widely within their zones and would reconvene in Abuja in two weeks to assess progress. Other key politicians such as Maina Waziri in Yobe and Emeka Ihedioha in Imo have also begun rallying support in their respective states. The official unveiling of the ADC-led coalition in Abuja last Wednesday sent ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the PDP and Labour Party remain entangled in internal leadership crises. Prominent political figures—including Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, and Senator David Mark—attended the coalition’s unveiling, signalling a serious opposition challenge to the ruling APC. While APC officials have downplayed the coalition, Senator Mark declared that the ADC alliance is committed to rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges. Political watchers are divided. While some believe the coalition’s political heavyweights still wield considerable influence, others warn the ruling party not to underestimate the opposition’s grassroots potential. Former APC Abuja chairman Sunny Moniedafe noted that widespread hardship could make the 2027 elections unpredictable, while Senator Abubakar Girei dismissed the coalition as a group of “disgruntled politicians” with no clear ideology. Still, groups like the Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy caution the APC against complacency, describing the coalition as politically savvy with nationwide reach. Responding to critics, Atiku’s aide Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi maintained that the coalition has strong grassroots appeal and national credibility, backed by the political clout of its members. As mobilisation accelerates, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s political scene is heating up fast, and the ADC coalition is shaping up to be a formidable force in the 2027 race.

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Former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, was a guest speaker at the ninth edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse held in Lagos. Speaking on the theme *“Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,”* Amaechi discussed a range of issues, including his role in mobilizing against former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential elections. Amaechi explained that his decision to mobilize against Jonathan was rooted in his dissatisfaction with the president's leadership style, pointing to the economic struggles Nigerians were facing as Jonathan left office, including the rising dollar rate. Amaechi recounted the personal dangers he faced during this period, revealing that even though he had the immunity of a governor, the risks were severe. He shared an anecdote about his attempt to visit Ekiti, where he was blocked by security forces. Despite being advised against it, he persisted in his travel, leading to a tense standoff with soldiers. The situation became more dangerous when Amaechi was warned that his life could not be accounted for if he stayed in the area. He narrowly escaped with the help of a military officer, who advised him to leave before dark. The former governor also described a tense moment during a trip to Kano. After successfully installing the Emir of Kano, Amaechi found himself trapped by bad weather and the political hostility of the region's leadership. He was denied permission to land, and even after efforts to board a commercial flight were blocked, he was forced to seek the help of a local security officer to escape the situation. He recounted how he managed to leave Kano under strict surveillance, with a journey that took him through Zaria and Kaduna before finally reaching Abuja. Amaechi also discussed President Bola Tinubu's policies, particularly the removal of the oil subsidy, which he supported but felt could have been better managed. He criticized the approach for not considering social welfare measures, like creating employment through large-scale housing projects, which could have mitigated the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians. He argued that had the government created jobs first, people would have been better equipped to handle the financial strain caused by the removal of the subsidy. Finally, Amaechi reflected on the state of activism in Nigeria, particularly among student groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). He lamented the decline of activism, noting how students and labor unions were once united in their struggle against government policies. He criticized the current lack of ideological commitment within these organizations, contrasting it with the more radical, ideologically driven activism of the past.

I Escaped Death While Mobilising Against Jonathan – Amaechi

Former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, was a guest speaker at the ninth edition of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) Annual Leadership Discourse held in Lagos. Speaking on the theme “Fearless Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,” Amaechi discussed a range of issues, including his role in mobilizing against former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential elections. Amaechi explained that his decision to mobilize against Jonathan was rooted in his dissatisfaction with the president’s leadership style, pointing to the economic struggles Nigerians were facing as Jonathan left office, including the rising dollar rate. Amaechi recounted the personal dangers he faced during this period, revealing that even though he had the immunity of a governor, the risks were severe. He shared an anecdote about his attempt to visit Ekiti, where he was blocked by security forces. Despite being advised against it, he persisted in his travel, leading to a tense standoff with soldiers. The situation became more dangerous when Amaechi was warned that his life could not be accounted for if he stayed in the area. He narrowly escaped with the help of a military officer, who advised him to leave before dark. The former governor also described a tense moment during a trip to Kano. After successfully installing the Emir of Kano, Amaechi found himself trapped by bad weather and the political hostility of the region’s leadership. He was denied permission to land, and even after efforts to board a commercial flight were blocked, he was forced to seek the help of a local security officer to escape the situation. He recounted how he managed to leave Kano under strict surveillance, with a journey that took him through Zaria and Kaduna before finally reaching Abuja. Amaechi also discussed President Bola Tinubu’s policies, particularly the removal of the oil subsidy, which he supported but felt could have been better managed. He criticized the approach for not considering social welfare measures, like creating employment through large-scale housing projects, which could have mitigated the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians. He argued that had the government created jobs first, people would have been better equipped to handle the financial strain caused by the removal of the subsidy. Finally, Amaechi reflected on the state of activism in Nigeria, particularly among student groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). He lamented the decline of activism, noting how students and labor unions were once united in their struggle against government policies. He criticized the current lack of ideological commitment within these organizations, contrasting it with the more radical, ideologically driven activism of the past.

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