President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as he turned 60 on May 27, lauding his service to Nigeria and Rivers State.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended Amaechi’s contributions as former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and two-term governor. He also highlighted Amaechi’s leadership as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and his role in the Federal Executive Council, where he served as Minister of Transportation for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President prayed for continued grace and long life for Amaechi, wishing him success in his political journey.
Meanwhile, Amaechi’s milestone birthday came amid a significant political development. He is reported to be part of a new coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, aimed at challenging President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
The coalition, operating under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (North-NPCG), convened in Abuja on Monday. The high-level meeting was described as non-partisan and drew prominent political figures including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, his former running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed, ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Also in attendance were former Minister of State for Solid Minerals Abu Bwari, and Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC. Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, also joined the meeting in a show of solidarity.
A member of the group, who requested anonymity, said the meeting aimed to solidify the North’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, while seeking collaboration with allies in the South.
