Analysis
2027: Tinubu won’t hand over power easily, be ready to fight for it – Amaechi warns Nigerians
DDM News
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has raised concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, warning that power is never freely handed over but must be fought for.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja
Amaechi emphasized that Nigerian politicians often go to extreme lengths, including rigging, intimidation, and violence, to retain power, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.
According to Amaechi, Nigerians need to take political participation more seriously and be willing to defend their votes if they truly desire credible leadership.
He noted that elections in Nigeria are often manipulated, referencing the controversial 2023 general election in which Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as president under questionable circumstances.
The election was heavily criticized by opposition parties, civil society groups, and international observers, who accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of malpractice, including announcing results while voting was still ongoing.
The former governor of Rivers State recalled how the All Progressives Congress (APC) wrested power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, stressing that it was the party’s readiness to go the extra mile that secured its victory.
He warned Nigerians that mere complaints about election irregularities will not change anything unless citizens take bold steps to safeguard their votes.
“None of you here seated can defend the votes.
“If you have complained, complain. Nigerians have been clapping for you.
“But has that changed anything?
“The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up and stood their ground,” Amaechi stated.
He pointed to Ghana’s elections, where citizens demonstrated strong resistance against election manipulation, suggesting that Nigerians must adopt a similar approach if they want real change.
“It happened in Ghana before the election of their last president.
“Two days, a lot of us were called to intervene.
“But why did they do that? Because the people were ready to die for their votes,” he added.
The 2023 Election Controversy and the Tinubu Factor
The 2023 presidential election, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge victorious, remains one of the most controversial elections in Nigeria’s history.
Critics, including the opposition parties and election monitoring groups, accused INEC of failing to conduct a transparent process.
Allegations of voter suppression, ballot box snatching, and deliberate delays in result uploads plagued the election.
In some states, results were announced even while voting was still ongoing, raising suspicions of manipulation.
The Labour Party and the PDP both challenged the legitimacy of the election, but their petitions were dismissed by the courts, further deepening the distrust in the system.
Speaking on this, Amaechi made it clear that power in Nigeria is not given willingly but seized through strategic preparation.
He dismissed the notion that Tinubu would willingly hand over power in 2027, warning Nigerians against wishful thinking.
“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 declared.
His statement highlights the entrenched political culture in Nigeria, where elections are often seen as a do-or-die affair rather than a democratic process driven by the will of the people.
APC’s Response: Amaechi is Part of the Problem
Following Amaechi’s remarks, the ruling APC swiftly reacted, accusing him of hypocrisy.
Party spokespersons claimed that Amaechi himself played a role in Nigeria’s political crisis and was instrumental in shaping the very system he now criticizes.
An APC official stated, “It is ironic that Amaechi, who benefited from the same political structure, is now speaking against it.
“He was part of the government that destroyed Nigeria, so he has no moral ground to lecture us about democracy.”
The former minister’s political trajectory is well known.
He was one of the key figures who helped APC unseat the PDP in 2015 and remained a strong party loyalist until the 2023 election.
However, after losing the APC presidential primary to Tinubu, where he secured 316 votes against Tinubu’s 1,271 votes, Amaechi gradually distanced himself from the administration.
The Battle for 2027: Will Nigerians Rise?
With the 2027 elections approaching, Amaechi’s warning serves as a wake-up call for Nigerians.
Many believe that unless fundamental changes are made to the electoral process, a repeat of 2023 is inevitable.
The failure of INEC to ensure transparency, coupled with the judiciary’s reluctance to overturn questionable election results, has left many Nigerians disillusioned about the possibility of credible elections.
Despite this, Amaechi insists that power can only be secured if Nigerians are willing to make sacrifices.
He cited historical examples where determined citizens fought for democratic change, urging Nigerians to be ready for the struggle ahead.
“The only reason Jonathan conceded in 2015 was because APC was prepared to defend its mandate.
“Nigerians must be ready to do the same. If you want power, you must be prepared to fight for it,” Amaechi emphasized.
His call for political resistance raises concerns about potential unrest in 2027, especially given the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The worsening economic situation, high unemployment, and rising cost of living have fueled public frustration, with many blaming the APC-led government for their hardship.
Amaechi’s Previous Warning: Nigerians Are Too Docile
This is not the first time Amaechi has criticized Nigerians for their passive attitude toward governance.
In October 2024, he expressed disappointment over how Nigerians were enduring economic hardship without taking action.
“I am disappointed in Nigerians. You complain about the economy, but what are you doing about it?
“Nobody will change things for you unless you stand up for yourselves,” he had said at the time.
His latest remarks reinforce his belief that Nigerians must take a more active role in shaping their political destiny.
Conclusion: A System Rigged for the Powerful
The political climate in Nigeria remains tense as 2027 draws closer.
The controversy surrounding the 2023 election, coupled with INEC’s failure to ensure credibility, has left many questioning whether genuine democracy is possible in the country.
Amaechi’s statements reflect a harsh political reality—power in Nigeria is often seized through force, not freely given.
While his critics accuse him of being part of the problem, his message resonates with many who feel frustrated by the system.
Whether Nigerians will take his advice and fight for their votes in 2027 remains to be seen.
However, one thing is clear: those in power will not relinquish it without a fight.
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