Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned Nigerians to be prepared for a fierce battle if they hope to wrest power from the political elite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, who served as the Director-General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 campaign, stated that no politician would willingly relinquish power, stressing that Nigerians must be ready to “die” for a credible leadership transition.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja, the former Rivers State governor urged citizens to become more politically vigilant and defend their votes.
Amaechi criticised what he described as the passive nature of Nigerians when it comes to elections, insisting that real change requires bold action.
“None of you here can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you. The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up and fought for it.”
The former minister cited Ghana’s electoral process as an example, claiming that citizens there were willing to put their lives on the line to secure credible elections.
“You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you—not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.”
“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time.”
Amaechi’s comments appear to be a direct challenge to those hoping for a smooth transfer of power in 2027, hinting at potential resistance from the ruling class.
Reflecting on the 2015 presidential election that saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeat the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amaechi credited the victory to the APC’s determination to defend its mandate.
According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan only conceded defeat because the APC was prepared to resist any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate.
His remarks suggest that only a similar level of political commitment can guarantee a fair outcome in future elections.
Amaechi’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between him and the APC leadership.
In October 2024, the former minister expressed disappointment in Nigerians for their perceived indifference to worsening economic conditions under the current administration.
In response, the APC dismissed his concerns, alleging that he was among those responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes.
Amaechi, who was one of 14 aspirants in the APC’s 2023 presidential primary, finished second with 316 votes, behind Bola Tinubu, who secured 1,271 votes to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
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