Former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stirred fresh political debate with a candid statement about his Igbo identity during the 2026 Abuja Igbo Fest.

Amaechi said he stopped referring to himself as an Igbo man after the controversy surrounding the ADC vice-presidential ticket, claiming he felt rejected by some Igbos. He further stated that he would only embrace the identity again if the Igbo people publicly acknowledge and accept him.

"I stopped calling myself Igbo! The Igbos denied me because of ADC VP ticket. "I won't accept until the Igbos say it publicly", he said.

His remarks have triggered widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating identity, ethnicity, politics, and the implications of his comments.