Oct 9, 2026

Amaechi Warns Incumbents Feel Unbeatable, Urges Opposition to Draw 2015 Lessons

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria—October 9, 2026—African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has declared that incumbent governments often believe they cannot be removed, urging Nigeria’s opposition to draw inspiration from the historic 2015 election that unseated then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Amaechi stressed that no administration stands above the will of the people. “The incumbent government always feels that it cannot be removed,” he said, pointing to the 2015 general election in which the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a party he helped build—defeated the sitting president through the ballot box.

He emphasized that democracy continues to place power in the hands of Nigerian voters, who retain the right to decide their future at the polls.

The remarks came as the ADC formally activated its campaign machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate and Amaechi as his running mate.

Campaign Council Inauguration

The event, led by ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, marked a key organizational step for the opposition party.

The Presidential Campaign Council is chaired by Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai serving as deputy chairman and Senator Austin Akobundu as director-general.

Mark charged the council to focus on the concerns of ordinary Nigerians, describing the task as larger than simply winning an election.

He said the party must present a credible alternative capable of improving lives. Party leaders, governorship candidates and other aspirants attended the gathering as the ADC moved from coalition-building into full campaign mode.

Context of Amaechi’s Message

Amaechi’s intervention echoes his earlier warnings that opposition leaders risk political irrelevance if the ruling All Progressives Congress retains power in 2027.

He has repeatedly called for strong grassroots mobilization, citing the role women and local networks played in the 2015 opposition victory.

The former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation has positioned the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a vehicle for change while stressing that electoral success depends on voter participation and defence of the ballot.

His comments arrive amid intensifying political activity as parties prepare for the January 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Broader Political Landscape

The ADC has presented its ticket as a “unity and rescue” partnership that bridges regions and experience. Amaechi’s selection as running mate followed his strong showing as runner-up in the party’s presidential primary.

The party continues to organize structures across states while navigating internal and legal challenges that have marked its recent history.

As the campaign season gathers pace, Amaechi’s reminder of 2015 serves as both a historical lesson and a political challenge: that power in a democracy ultimately rests with the electorate, not with those who currently hold office.