2027: Incumbent governments can be removed, Amaechi warns

The African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned incumbent governments against assuming they are invincible, saying they can be voted out of power.

Amaechi spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, where he urged members to close ranks and focus on winning the 2027 general elections.

He said internal disputes over party primaries could undermine the opposition’s chances if members failed to unite behind a common goal.

“If we are still quarrelling about the party’s primary, it is over. We have to win elections,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor challenged members of the campaign council to recognise the task before them and demonstrate the determination needed to overcome political obstacles.

“Incumbent governments often make the mistake of believing they are invincible and cannot be removed,” Amaechi said.

He recalled his experiences during previous political campaigns under the Peoples Democratic Party, including incidents in which he said security officials prevented him from travelling.

Amaechi said the experiences did not stop him from pursuing his political activities, urging opposition politicians to remain resolute in the face of challenges.

He also recounted an incident at Akure Airport when he said he was prevented from flying, adding that the intervention of political leaders helped resolve the situation.

According to him, such experiences underscore the need for opposition politicians to prepare for unexpected difficulties during election campaigns.

Amaechi urged members of the campaign council to learn from previous political struggles and avoid distractions that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.

He said unity, persistence and collective action would be critical to the ADC’s efforts to challenge the incumbent government in 2027.

The inauguration marks part of the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.