Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections by ensuring that key federal institutions operate without interference.
Amaechi made the remarks on Friday during an interview on Channels Television, where he reacted to reports of political mobilisation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the growing influence of opposition coalitions ahead of the polls.
He specifically urged Tinubu to instruct the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to stay away from the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary, alleging undue influence on democratic institutions.
“If he is confident, let him tell Nuhu Ribadu to leave his judiciary and INEC alone,” Amaechi said.
“Why use federal institutions against the ADC?”
He further challenged the President to allow a free and fair political environment, insisting that such a move would prove his electoral strength.
“Tell him that if he is confident, he should instruct his national security adviser to leave the judiciary and INEC alone and see whether he will win the election,” he added.
When pressed further on his claims, the former governor declined to provide additional clarification, stating, “I will not explain. If you don’t have eyes, leave it. Even Tinubu knows it. And he brags about it. That’s the funny part of it.”
Amaechi also criticised the interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling concerning the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting claims that the party lacked recognised leadership.
“Look at the interpretation of the ruling or judgment by the Court of Appeal. That interpretation that we are leaderless is not correct, and that is not what the law says,” he said.
The former governor, who previously coordinated President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 and 2019 election campaigns, has recently aligned with opposition efforts within the ADC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The comments come amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC over its leadership structure, with the Independent National Electoral Commission reportedly cautioning the party over planned internal elections pending court determinations.
The ADC has in recent months attracted prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, strengthening its position as a potential opposition platform ahead of 2027.
