Former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims that his political stance against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is rooted in ethnic considerations, insisting that he identifies first as a Nigerian and not as a regional politician.
Amaechi, who is also a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV News on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Responding to suggestions that some Southerners might view his political position as an attempt to undermine Tinubu’s presidency despite both men being from the South, Amaechi said he does not subscribe to ethnic politics. “I don’t believe in ethnic politics. I’m a Nigerian,” he stated.
The former governor also took a swipe at former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, over comments allegedly questioning his national political appeal. “I listen to this man. I don’t want to abuse him. Because I think I will be bringing myself down to him at 70 something. I’m not yet 70. He can’t watch what he says,” Amaechi said.
Referring directly to Oshiomhole, Amaechi added, “Senator Adams Oshiomhole. That I’m not a national candidate. He’s been gossiping and talking rubbish any day you puts him on TV. Let him wait. One day I will confront him,” he stated.
When asked by the interviewer to address the issue immediately, Amaechi declined to escalate the exchange, noting that he once served as Oshiomhole’s political superior within the party structure. “I’m a presidential aspirant. I was his chairman. He’s insulting his chairman. I was his chairman. I don’t want to join issues with him,” he said.
The former minister also addressed the issue of zoning and power rotation in Nigeria’s political system, offering a nuanced position on the long-running debate. Asked whether he believes in zoning, Amaechi replied, “Do I believe in zoning? The answer is yes and no.”
He explained that while he supports the principle in view of Nigeria’s current political realities, he also acknowledged ongoing disagreements among political leaders over the matter. “Yes, in the sense that the country, for now, is yet to be found as a united entity. So, if it’s the turn of the South, it’s the turn of the South,” he stated.
Amaechi, however, pointed out that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly expressed a different view on zoning. “But vice-president Atiku says he doesn’t believe in it. Okay, so let’s go to the primary,” he added.