Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of nursing a 2031 presidential ambition while allegedly working to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi made the allegation during a phone-in interview on Eagles Radio, a clip of which was later shared on X by African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu.

In the interview, Amaechi claimed Ribadu was using his office to intimidate political opponents and weaken opposition structures, alleging that the NSA was “busy arresting everybody” and sponsoring parallel factions within the African Democratic Congress to destabilise it.

He dismissed suggestions that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai hacked Ribadu’s phone, arguing instead that the NSA’s office had the capacity to monitor calls.

“I doubt that El-Rufai said he hacked NSA Nuhu Ribadu’s phone. He doesn’t have the capacity to do so. It’s the NSA’s office that is listening to our calls,” Amaechi said.

The former Rivers State governor further alleged that Ribadu was laying the groundwork for his own political future while positioning Tinubu for 2027, claiming that multiple court cases involving factions of the ADC were being influenced to fragment the opposition.

“All he’s doing is setting up parties to fight the ADC. He has his own fake ADC. Just go to court; he has so many ADC cases in court with small boys he has bought cars for,” he alleged.

Amaechi urged the NSA to concentrate on his national security responsibilities, insisting that credible elections would hold in 2027 despite rising political tensions.

The allegations come amid escalating claims and counterclaims among key political figures over phone interception and state surveillance, adding a fresh layer of friction to Nigeria’s evolving pre-2027 political landscape.