By Sodiq Adelakun
The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to reassure Nigerians about the credibility of the 2027 general election, saying the President missed an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Amaechi took issue with Tinubu’s recent declaration that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that the statement did little to address growing concerns over the conduct of future elections.
According to the former Minister of Transportation, the President should have assured Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties would contest the 2027 elections on equal terms.
He said such an assurance was particularly necessary following concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria over the need for credible elections.
“Look at the President’s statement that all is fair in politics. If a thug takes a gun and shoots me where I’m voting, is that fair?” Amaechi asked.
He added that rather than making a broad political statement, Tinubu should have publicly guaranteed a free, fair and transparent electoral contest.
“When the Catholic Church is crying about the possibility of having an election that may not be fair, all the President needs to do is reassure the country that APC, PDP and ADC will slug it out on an even field. Let the best team win,” he said.
Amaechi also used the interview to respond to comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had questioned his political relevance in Rivers State and claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar selected him as a running mate because of financial considerations.
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Dismissing the remarks, Amaechi said he would not exchange words with Wike, whom he described as his subordinate.
“I don’t respond to my subordinate. Wike never hired me. By the time I finish mourning and go into campaign, anybody that insults me, I will insult him back,” he said.
Amaechi, who contested the ADC presidential ticket before losing to Atiku, was later announced by the party as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
His comments come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, with parties intensifying campaigns and public engagements while debates over the credibility of the electoral process continue.
