Colorful posters with the image of the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechiflooded the main streets of the Kaduna metropolis over the weekend, a move that observers see as the start of mobilization for the 2027 presidential race.
The posters, printed in bold A2 size and featuring Amaechi’s portrait, projected him as a leading opposition figure by 2027, with inscriptions describing him as “the only person who can be trusted” and “the only man for the job”, while highlighting themes of unity, equality, stability and development.
While there is no name of any political party on the posters, Amaechi is believed to be a staunch member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition party.
Amaechi, who holds the traditional title of Dan Amanan Kasar Hausa of Daura, previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2023.
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The sudden appearance of the billboards, placed at strategic locations including Ahmadu Bello Way, Ali Akilu Way, around the Kaduna State Government House as well as the busy Kawo Bridge corridor stretching towards Zaria, attracted public attention.
Political observers interpret this development as a clear sign that supporters of the former Rivers State governor are beginning to mobilize and test the political waters in the North, a key voting bloc in the presidential elections.
Although no official statement has been made, the posters have intensified speculation about Amaechi’s possible renewal of his candidacy for the presidency and a possible opposition challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Amaechi had previously contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in 2022, where he came second to Tinubu, ahead of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan.