Political scientist and former Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Femi Otubanjo, has dismissed the presidential ambition of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying the former minister lacks the political structure needed to mount a serious challenge in 2027.
Speaking during a televised discussion with Arise News on the unfolding political realignments ahead of the next general election, Otubanjo argued that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had effectively become a platform built around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition.
According to him, “Amaechi should not even have bothered himself with the presidential ambition at this stage.”
The professor described Nigeria’s political space as one dominated by only a few heavyweight actors, comparing it to the hierarchy of English football leagues. He said President Bola Tinubu and Atiku remain the only politicians operating in the “Premier League” of Nigerian politics because of their long-standing influence, coalition-building capacity and electoral experience.
Otubanjo maintained that Amaechi belongs in a lower political category despite his years in public office. He argued that the former Rivers governor had never independently built a formidable political structure capable of sustaining a presidential bid.
He further stated that Amaechi’s challenge against Atiku within the ADC was always destined to fail because the party was essentially designed to support Atiku’s candidacy. According to him, Peter Obi’s earlier decision to distance himself from the ADC race was a strategic move because defeating Atiku within the party was nearly impossible.
The analyst also questioned Amaechi’s political strength, insisting that his rise in politics was largely aided by circumstances and alliances rather than grassroots political dominance.
Otubanjo concluded that Atiku still remains the strongest opposition figure capable of confronting President Tinubu in 2027…..See More
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