By Our Correspondent
Retired Superintendent Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Evangelist Ameh Itodo Ameh, has formally declared his intention to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 general election, urging the ruling party to nominate him instead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement announcing his presidential ambition, the Benue State-born politician said Nigeria needs a new generation of leadership capable of effectively addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
Ameh, who previously served as a Fire Officer at the FRSC Road Safety Headquarters, recalled that he had offered advice to the APC during its 2022 national convention and presidential primaries, which produced Tinubu as the party’s candidate and eventual winner of the 2023 presidential election.
He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy at the start of the Tinubu administration worsened economic hardship across the country and was not accompanied by sufficient measures to ease its impact. According to him, the subsequent approval of a ₦70,000 national minimum wage fell short of what was needed to shield Nigerian workers from the rising cost of living, insisting that a higher wage would have provided better relief.
The APC presidential aspirant also voiced concern over the nation’s worsening security situation, maintaining that Nigeria requires a change in leadership in 2027 to effectively confront its growing economic and security problems.
Making a case for his candidacy, Ameh noted that the North Central geopolitical zone has never produced a democratically elected civilian president since Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914. He said his aspiration presents an opportunity to advance equity, fairness and inclusiveness in the country’s political leadership.
He further lamented the high cost of obtaining the APC presidential nomination form, explaining that the ₦100 million fee charged during the 2023 election cycle prevented him from participating in the race. He also expressed concern that the cost could rise further ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the financial hurdle, Ameh said he remains determined to challenge the incumbent president for the APC presidential ticket, describing such a contest as a rare development in Nigeria’s political landscape. He stressed that healthy internal democracy requires leaders to welcome constructive criticism and genuine competition.
The retired road safety officer appealed to Nigerians for grassroots financial support to fund his campaign, expressing confidence that small contributions from ordinary citizens would be enough to sustain his presidential ambition.
Ameh also based his campaign message on biblical values, calling on Nigerians to pray for the country and support leaders they believe will uphold justice, peace and national prosperity.
He urged Nigerians to circulate his message widely, insisting that lasting political transformation can only be achieved through active citizen participation and a shared commitment to building a better nation.
