African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has declared, “I love Tinubu,” while warning that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 presidential election could have serious consequences for Nigeria, amid what he described as widespread hunger and public frustration.
Amaechi made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, October 2, 2026, while discussing the economy, fuel prices, electoral integrity and the opposition’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Key Highlights
- Rotimi Amaechi declared, “I love Tinubu,” during the television interview.
- The ADC vice-presidential candidate warned against manipulating the 2027 presidential election.
- Amaechi said Nigerians are experiencing hunger and growing frustration.
- He said he has no personal hatred for President Bola Tinubu.
- Amaechi is running alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the ADC ticket.
- He also said he would step down from the ADC ticket and campaign for Tinubu if petrol sells at ₦600 per litre.
- Fuel prices, economic hardship and electoral integrity remain major issues in the 2027 political debate.
- The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.
“I Love Tinubu” — Amaechi Speaks on 2027 Election
Speaking on Politics Today, Amaechi said his opposition to the Tinubu administration should not be interpreted as personal hatred for the President.
“Nobody hates Tinubu. I love Tinubu; he knows,” Amaechi said during the interview.
The former Rivers State governor said the political disagreement between him and the administration is largely about government policies, economic conditions and the direction of the country.
His comments come as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi Warns Against Rigging 2027 Election
Amaechi also warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 presidential election could create serious consequences for Nigeria.
He linked his warning to what he described as widespread hunger and frustration among Nigerians.
According to Amaechi, the level of hardship facing citizens means that political leaders should be mindful of the consequences of actions that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
His comments represent his political assessment of the potential consequences of electoral manipulation and do not establish that any attempt to rig the 2027 election will occur.
Amaechi, Atiku Running on ADC Ticket
Amaechi is the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
The former Rivers State governor was selected as Atiku’s running mate after contesting the ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged as the party’s candidate.
The Atiku-Amaechi ticket has positioned the ADC as one of the opposition platforms seeking to challenge the incumbent administration in the 2027 presidential election.
The party has highlighted issues including security, education, economic recovery and governance as part of its political agenda.
Amaechi Links Election Debate to Economic Hardship
During the interview, Amaechi repeatedly connected the political debate to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
He criticised the impact of fuel-subsidy removal and argued that the savings generated by the policy have not translated sufficiently into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
Amaechi also pointed to high transportation and energy costs as factors contributing to the economic pressure experienced by households and businesses.
These remain political arguments advanced by the ADC candidate, while government officials have offered different assessments of the impact of economic reforms.
Amaechi Makes ₦600 Petrol Promise
Amaechi also made a separate pledge during the Channels Television interview involving the price of petrol.
He said he would step down as the ADC vice-presidential candidate and campaign for President Tinubu if petrol sells for ₦600 per litre.
The statement places fuel prices at the centre of Amaechi’s assessment of the Federal Government’s economic policies.
Petrol pricing has remained a major political issue in Nigeria since the removal of the petrol subsidy, with politicians and other stakeholders offering differing views on its effect on consumers and the economy.
Amaechi Says He Could Leave ADC Ticket
Amaechi’s ₦600 petrol statement adds another dimension to his relationship with the Tinubu administration.
While he is campaigning on the ADC ticket alongside Atiku, he said a substantial reduction in petrol prices would influence his political position.
The former governor has also criticised the cost of living and argued that Nigerians should begin to see measurable improvements from the government’s economic policies.
2027 Election Debate Intensifies
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, with political parties already mobilising supporters and presenting their policy positions to voters.
Economic hardship, fuel prices, security, employment and the credibility of the electoral process are among the issues featuring prominently in political discussions.
Amaechi’s latest comments combine criticism of the government’s economic policies with a personal statement of goodwill towards President Tinubu.
His declaration, “I love Tinubu,” has therefore become a notable part of his latest political message as the opposition prepares for the 2027 contest.
