Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will not voluntarily cede power to the younger generation without a determined struggle.
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 importance of political vigilance and the need for Nigerians to actively safeguard their votes to ensure credible leadership.
“None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, keep complaining, Nigerians have been clapping for you,” he said.
Amaechi recalled the political struggles that led to the emergence of former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, as well as the political activism seen in Ghana before the election of its last president. According to him, people must be willing to make sacrifices if they truly desire change.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
The former minister also reflected on the events leading up to the 2015 presidential election, when the then-opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He attributed APC’s success to the party’s resolve and readiness to defend its mandate, noting that former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat only after realizing the opposition was fully prepared.
Amaechi urged Nigerians to adopt a similar level of preparedness and determination in future elections.
In a previous statement in October 2024, Amaechi had expressed disappointment in Nigerians’ passive response to economic hardship, stating, “The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody, but against the politicians, saying ‘we won’t vote.’”
His comments have sparked reactions from the ruling APC, which accused him of being part of those who contributed to Nigeria’s challenges.
Amaechi, who was one of 14 aspirants in the APC’s 2023 presidential primaries, finished second with 316 votes, behind Tinubu, who won with 1,271 votes.
