Amaechi Recounts Alleged Political Intimidation, Urges ADC to Stand Firm Ahead of 2027 Election
The vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has recounted alleged incidents of political intimidation during past election campaigns, urging party members to remain resolute and focused as they prepare for the 2027 general election.
Amaechi, who spoke on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, stated that the party must not be intimidated by the power of incumbency, warning that those in government often make the mistake of believing they cannot be removed from office.
Recalling his experience as Rivers State governor and leader of a campaign council, Amaechi narrated how he was allegedly prevented from travelling to Ekiti State through Akure, despite his position as a sitting governor.
He disclosed that the military officer in charge of the operation later approached him and admitted that he knew his actions were wrong but had to obey orders from his superiors.
According to Amaechi, the officer warned him that he could not guarantee his safety and advised him to leave before nightfall, forcing him to drive to Lagos.
He also recounted another incident in which he was allegedly prevented from flying from an airport, adding that the intervention of then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, helped resolve the situation.
Amaechi affirmed that such experiences did not deter him from continuing the campaign, stressing that the objective of removing an incumbent government kept him determined.
“The more they did that, the more they made it difficult for themselves, because I became very, very stubborn,” he said.
He urged ADC campaign council members to learn from past political experiences, identify the mistakes made by incumbent governments, and remain committed to their objectives despite possible intimidation.
Amaechi further called on the party to distinguish itself from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through issue-based campaigning, saying Nigerians were looking for a credible alternative.
“Nigerians are begging you to be different from APC. Please be different,” he told the campaign council.
He advised members to focus on issues affecting citizens, particularly the rising cost of living, affordability, poverty, employment, and access to education, rather than allowing political threats or claims of electoral victory to distract them.
“Don’t respond. Respond with your vote,” Amaechi said, urging party members to channel their efforts towards winning the confidence of voters.
On the economy, the former governor advocated production subsidies as a way of encouraging domestic refining, creating jobs, and reducing the cost of fuel and other goods and services.
He argued that lower production costs could help ease inflationary pressures, explaining that high fuel prices affect transportation and other expenses, which subsequently increase the cost of living.
Amaechi also stressed the importance of credibility in political communication, warning campaigners against making claims they could not substantiate.
“The moment they go and see you as a liar, you have lost the election,” he stated, urging the campaign council to rely on facts and figures when presenting the party’s message to Nigerians.
Amaechi maintained that determination and courage would be essential to the party’s electoral prospects, encouraging members not to allow fear to undermine their commitment.
He further urged the campaign council to concentrate on winning the 2027 election, reiterating that the party’s priority should be to present its message effectively and convince Nigerians that it could offer a different direction for the country.
