According to a report by Daily Post on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Rotimi Amaechi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has set out what he would do if elected president, saying he would take a firm position on national unity and citizenship.…....
He made the remarks after appearing before the party’s presidential screening committee, where he was interviewed as part of the process ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
The former Rivers State governor said his priority would be to end divisions based on ethnic origin and place citizenship above regional identity.
He said he would abolish the existing federal character arrangement and replace it with a system that recognises Nigerians first as citizens, rather than as indigenes of particular states or zones.
Before attending the screening exercise, Amaechi arrived at the venue dressed in his Niger Delta regalia, drawing attention to his regional identity while still maintaining his message on national integration.
His appearance at the screening was part of the party’s ongoing preparations for its presidential race, in which aspirants are being assessed by the screening committee.
Amaechi’s comments came as he used the opportunity to explain how he intends to address some of the long-standing issues that continue to shape political competition in the country.
He said the current practice of classifying people by state of origin and encouraging voting blocs along religious or regional lines should no longer define the country’s political direction.
He maintained that a country seeking progress must move away from narratives that separate Nigerians into categories of north, east, or west, especially when such divisions are used to influence voting behaviour.
According to him, political leadership should be built around citizenship and equal belonging, rather than inherited identity tags that continue to influence access and participation.
The ADC chieftain’s remarks were made in the course of his interaction with the screening committee, where he explained his vision for governance if he secures the party’s ticket and goes on to win the presidency.
His position on federal character and indigenship formed the core of the message he delivered while being screened by the party.
He said, “If I become president, I’ll abolish indigenship and allow only citizenship.
“All these I’m west, I’m north, I’m east, and you’re calling people to vote for you based on religion.
