2027 Election: Amaechi Accuses APC of Avoiding Policy Debate

The African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of focusing on opposition figures instead of presenting its policies and plans to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation, said the ruling party was more interested in weakening the opposition than addressing critical national issues.

He made the remarks during an interview on Tuesday.

According to him, APC campaign rallies have largely focused on attacking opposition politicians, particularly him, rather than discussing issues affecting Nigerians.

“The party in power is trying to look for how to weaken the opposition; they are scared. Don’t you see their campaign? Tell me one state they have campaigned in that is not about Amaechi; it’s all Amaechi, Amaechi, Amaechi, Ebonyi, Rivers, Amaechi,” he said.

Amaechi Challenges APC On Policies

The former minister contrasted the ruling party’s campaign approach with that of the ADC, saying his party had focused on key national issues, including the economy, social housing and security.

“When we were campaigning, we were addressing issues. We addressed the issues of economy, social housing, security,” he said.

Amaechi also accused the APC of repeatedly mentioning his name at campaign events instead of explaining what it planned to do if returned to power.

He said he often joked with his children about becoming a major topic in the country’s political discussions because of the ruling party’s repeated references to him.

“You know what I do every morning? I call my children, [and] I say, ‘You see, your father has achieved so much that he is now the issue in the political discourse of Nigeria.’ NDC is not calling my name because we are in opposition. Anywhere APC is going tomorrow, it’s Amaechi they will mention; they won’t mention what they will do,” he said.

The former governor also criticised what he described as the ruling party’s reliance on promises of future improvements, arguing that Nigerians deserved clear policies and practical solutions.

“They are not interested; what they are interested in is, ‘don’t worry, things will be better in the future, just put us in power.’ It’s a referendum,” he added.

2027 Election Campaigns

Amaechi’s comments come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

He contested the ADC presidential primary but lost to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. He is now Atiku’s running mate on the party’s ticket.

At its campaign rallies across the country, the APC has repeatedly criticised opposition figures, including Atiku and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

During a rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima questioned the leadership experience and governing capacity of opposition candidates.

Shettima particularly described Obi as a “master of bogus statistics” while also criticising Atiku’s repeated attempts to become president.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.