Amaechi’s Bid to Defeat Tinubu Faces Uphill Battle, Says Maxwell Okpara

Legal analyst Dr. Maxwell Okpara expressed skepticism over Rotimi Amaechi’s chances of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027,  election during an in-depthinterview. Highlighting Amaechi’s controversial political legacy and the fragmented opposition landscape, Okpara argued that Nigerians are demanding genuine change not just new faces.

During an in-depth interview on Arise TV, prominent lawyer and political commentator Dr. Maxwell Okpara delivered a critical assessment of Rotimi Amaechi’s prospects in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Okpara asserted that Amaechi lacks the political achievements necessary to defeat President Bola Tinubu, noting a problematic legacy left from his previous roles as minister and governor.

“Nigerians are frustrated. What they truly seek is change, not merely a different face in power,” Okpara stated.

Addressing the sentiments of the Igbo ethnic group, Okpara remarked, “The Igbo are reportedly dissatisfied with President Tinubu’s administration. However, this raises doubts about whether the people of Delta State will rally behind Tinubu at the polls.”

Okpara also outlined what Amaechi would need to do to mount a credible challenge against Tinubu. “If Amaechi wants to succeed in 2027, he must offer concrete promises or deliverables that Tinubu and previous presidents have not, such as the release of Nnamdi Kanu for the Igbo community and strategic appointments across the northern region,” he explained.

Regarding the opposition landscape, Okpara revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket is widely expected to be reserved for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He further warned that the divided nature of the opposition with Peter Obi running under the Labour Party, Atiku under the PDP, and Amaechi representing another party could increase the risk of electoral manipulation

“The only viable path to defeating Tinubu is if these candidates unite under one party and select a single representative from among them,” Okpara concluded. “Without such unity, President Tinubu is likely to maintain his advantage.”