President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday felicitations to Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, a prominent politician and former Minister of Transportation, on his 60th birthday on May 27. The President's message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who highlighted Amaechi's significant contributions to public service.

Reflecting on Amaechi’s distinguished political career, President Tinubu praised his invaluable contributions to Rivers State, where he served dedicatedly as a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and as a two-term Governor. Tinubu described Amaechi as a political figure whose efforts have left an indelible mark on the governance of Rivers State and Nigeria at large, noting his unwavering dedication.

During his tenure as Governor, Amaechi also held the significant position of Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. In this role, he was instrumental in coordinating intergovernmental relations and fostering policy harmonization across the 36 states of the federation, showcasing his leadership capabilities on a national scale.

President Tinubu also lauded Amaechi’s eight-year service at the federal level as Minister of Transportation in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. During this period, Amaechi spearheaded major infrastructural projects, notably including the revival of Nigeria’s rail transport system and the modernization of key transport corridors, which were critical to the nation's development.

In his birthday message, President Tinubu prayed for more years, long life, good health, God’s grace, and continued success for the former minister. He also specifically wished Amaechi well in his political career, expressing confidence in his enduring relevance in the nation’s political landscape.

Rotimi Amaechi has been a central figure in Nigeria’s political scene for over two decades and is regarded as one of the nation’s most influential leaders from the South-South region. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and played a key role in the coalition that brought the party to power in 2015.

These felicitations come amidst reports that Amaechi is involved in a new political coalition movement, purportedly to be led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, aimed at challenging President Tinubu’s potential reelection in 2027. The coalition, meeting under the aegis of the National Political Consultative Group (North-NPCG) in Abuja, reportedly included figures such as Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, and former SGF Babachir Lawal. The group's stated objective is to consolidate the North’s position for the 2027 general election and seek support from like-minded individuals in the South.