Vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has made a bold promise to resign if Nigeria fails to experience significant changes within one year of the party taking power in 2027. This declaration was made during an interview on AIT's Democracy Today. Amaechi emphasized that an ADC administration would focus on key areas such as security, education, and the economy to bring about the desired change.
Amaechi identified corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria's progress, stating that it must be tackled head-on to address the country's challenges. He argued that public funds meant for critical sectors were being diverted into private hands. According to Amaechi, the ADC would prioritize these areas to bring about positive change. He stressed that corruption would have to come down to allow for more funds to be allocated to essential sectors.
The former Rivers State governor also criticized the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu administration. Amaechi argued that Nigerians had not benefited sufficiently from the policy, stating that the subsidy money was ending up in private pockets. He expressed concern that the benefits of the subsidy were not being felt by the masses, instead being enjoyed by a select few.
Amaechi further questioned the level of spending at lavish social events amid widespread poverty. He revealed that he sometimes left such gatherings after only a few minutes due to concerns over the source of the money being spent. The ADC candidate emphasized that it was essential to consider the welfare of the people, especially given the high poverty rates in Nigeria.
On the economy, Amaechi expressed concern about Nigeria's dependence on imported finished goods. He claimed that the country now imports more than 46 per cent of such goods, stating that this was a troubling trend. According to Amaechi, this dependence on imports was a sign that Nigeria was in trouble and needed to take drastic measures to address the issue.
Amaechi also referred to reports of Nigerians booing President Tinubu during his arrival at the Lagos International Airport. He stated that an ADC government would seek to change the situation through its proposed policies. Amaechi expressed confidence that if the ADC were to take power, the people would be clamoring for them, not booing them, due to the positive changes they would bring.
Amaechi's pledge came after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said President Tinubu should remove him from office if he fails to deliver the Federal Capital Territory to the President in the 2027 election. Amaechi, however, stated that he was prepared to stake his position on the performance of an ADC administration. He declared: "If Nigeria does not begin to change one year after we've come to office, come to me, I will resign."
Key points
- Rotimi Amaechi vows to resign if Nigeria doesn't change within a year of African Democratic Congress taking power in 2027.
- Amaechi identifies corruption, security, education, and economy as key areas to be addressed by an ADC administration.
- Amaechi criticizes removal of fuel subsidy, saying Nigerians have not benefited sufficiently from the policy.
