Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has voiced concerns over the desperation of Nigerian politicians, stating that extreme measures are often deployed to secure electoral victories.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja, Amaechi emphasized the need for political vigilance among Nigerians. He stressed that power must be actively contested for, urging citizens to safeguard their votes if they seek credible leadership.
“No one here can truly defend the votes. If all you do is complain, Nigerians will simply applaud your complaints, but that changes nothing. The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people stood their ground,” he remarked.
Drawing parallels with past elections in Ghana, he pointed out that in certain cases, people were willing to risk everything to defend their votes.
“You are here talking and blaming everyone. No one willingly hands over power—not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and elect one.
“In Nigeria, politicians will steal, manipulate, and do whatever it takes to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will just hand over power, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi warned.
Recounting the 2015 Presidential Election
The former Rivers State Governor reflected on the build-up to the 2015 presidential election, where the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) managed to unseat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Amaechi, APC’s success at the time was due to the relentless determination of its leaders, who ensured they were fully prepared for the political battle. He noted that former President Goodluck Jonathan only conceded defeat after realizing that APC was poised to defend its mandate.
He urged Nigerians to adopt a similar approach in future elections if they truly want change.
Amaechi’s Criticism of Nigerians’ Response to Economic Hardship
In October 2024, Amaechi made headlines when he expressed disappointment in Nigerians for what he described as a lackadaisical attitude toward the prevailing economic crisis.
Meanwhile, the ruling APC has fired back at the former minister, alleging that he is among those responsible for Nigeria’s current challenges.
Amaechi, who was among the 14 aspirants that vied for the APC presidential ticket in 2023, finished second in the primary election with 316 votes, behind eventual winner Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who secured 1,271 votes.
