“Replace Tinubu with me in 2027” – Ameh urges APC

By Haruna Salami

A retired Superintendent Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Evangelist Ameh Itodo Ameh, has declared his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, urging the ruling party to replace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with him as its standard-bearer.

In a statement outlining his presidential ambition, the Benue State-born politician argued that Nigeria requires fresh leadership capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

Ameh, a former Fire Officer at the FRSC Road Safety Headquarters, said he had previously offered advice to the APC during its 2022 national convention and presidential primaries, which produced Tinubu as the party’s candidate and eventual winner of the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy at the beginning of the Tinubu administration triggered economic hardship that, in his view, was not adequately mitigated. He maintained that the subsequent approval of a N70,000 national minimum wage was insufficient to cushion the effects of the policy, arguing that a higher wage would have better protected Nigerian workers from rising living costs.

The presidential aspirant also expressed concern over the country’s security situation, saying Nigerians should support a leadership change in 2027 to tackle the nation’s mounting challenges.

Making a case for his aspiration, Ameh said the North Central geopolitical zone has never produced a democratically elected civilian president since Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914. He described his ambition as an opportunity to promote equity and inclusion in the country’s political leadership.

The APC chieftain also lamented the high cost of the party’s presidential nomination form, noting that the N100 million fee charged in 2023 prevented him from contesting. He expressed concern that the cost could be significantly higher ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite the challenge, Ameh said he was prepared to contest the APC presidential ticket against the incumbent president, describing the move as uncommon in Nigeria’s political history. He added that leaders should be open to constructive criticism and internal democratic competition.

Appealing to supporters, the retired road safety officer called for grassroots financial support to fund his presidential ambition, expressing confidence that collective contributions from ordinary Nigerians would make his aspiration achievable.

Ameh also anchored his campaign message on biblical principles, urging Nigerians to pray for the nation and support leaders they believe would promote justice, peace and prosperity.

e concluded by encouraging Nigerians to share his message widely, insisting that meaningful political change begins with citizen participation and a commitment to building a better country.