Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi has thrown down the gauntlet to his political rivals, urging delegates and Nigerians to conduct a “referendum” comparing the governance records of leading All Progressives Congress (APC) contenders.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Amaechi dismissed mere rhetoric, insisting that the party’s presidential candidate should be chosen based on verifiable achievements in public office.

“Go to Anambra State and see what Peter Obi has done. Atiku was vice president; let’s see what he’s done and what he did in customs. Look at what Tinubu has done in Lagos and in Nigeria now,” Amaechi said, listing his competitors.

He then pointed to his own tenure: “Come to Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State and look at what I’ve also done in transportation.”

The former governor argued that nearly all aspirants have previously served in government, making it possible to judge them objectively.

He called for a direct comparison of infrastructural projects, economic reforms, and administrative competence rather than political slogans.

“Do a referendum,” Amaechi declared. “All the aspirants who are running for presidency have served in government.”

Political analysts note that Amaechi’s challenge puts rivals on the defensive, forcing voters to weigh Peter Obi’s Anambra legacy, Atiku Abubakar’s customs and vice-presidential record, Bola Tinubu’s Lagos transformation, and Amaechi’s Rivers and railway expansion achievements.

The proposed “referendum” remains informal, but signals intensifying debate ahead of APC primaries.