Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has pledged to transform Nigeria within four years if elected in the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi made the declaration on Thursday shortly after submitting his nomination forms at the national headquarters of the ADC in Abuja. During the event, he criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, blaming its policies for the worsening economic hardship across the country.

The former Rivers State governor urged Nigerians to focus on competence, experience and track records rather than ethnic or regional considerations when choosing the nation’s next leader.

“Nigerians should assess all of us seeking office based on our records,” Amaechi said. “Nearly everyone contesting for the presidency has served the country in one capacity or another. Let this election be a referendum on performance.”

He maintained that his years in public service had equipped him with the experience required to lead the country, citing his achievements as governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I believe I am the most experienced among those seeking the office. Nigerians should look at my record in Rivers State and at the Ministry of Transportation and decide whether I have the capacity to turn the country around. I am confident that I can transform Nigeria within four years,” he stated.

Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and played a prominent role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaign.

As Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023, he supervised several major railway projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines, though some critics raised concerns over the level of debt incurred in financing the projects.

Speaking further on the state of the nation, Amaechi accused the Tinubu administration of worsening the economic conditions faced by Nigerians.

“Nigerians should vote for merit, not for sentiments based on ethnicity or claims that it is a particular region’s turn to lead,” he said. “The ‘Emilokan’ mentality has contributed to where we are today, and Nigerians are suffering.”

According to him, the country’s economic challenges affect citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

“There is no separate market for Christians, Muslims, northerners or southerners. Everyone is affected by the value of the naira and the rising cost of living,” he added.

Amaechi also questioned the ruling APC’s bid to retain power in 2027, arguing that the party should allow other political groups the opportunity to govern.

On the ADC presidential primaries, the former minister expressed support for a direct primary process but said he would accept a consensus arrangement if it favoured him.

“I am prepared for the primaries. If there is a consensus and it is in my favour, that is fine. Otherwise, I will contest,” he said.

Amaechi’s declaration comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition parties intensify efforts to build stronger coalitions capable of challenging the ruling APC.

The ADC has recently attracted several prominent political figures positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, while debates over economic reforms, insecurity and governance continue to dominate the national discourse.