As the race for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections begins to take shape, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a strong call to Nigerians, urging them to actively defend their votes and ensure credible leadership.
Speaking during a panel discussion in Abuja on Monday, January 27, Amaechi declared that political power is never freely handed over and must be fought for. He warned that complacency would only allow the political elite to maintain their grip on power unchallenged.
The Fight for Power: Lessons from Kano and Ghana
Drawing from historical precedents, Amaechi pointed to the election of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor of Kano State as an example of people-driven resistance. According to him, Shekarau’s victory was not a mere electoral process but a result of the people’s determination to stand their ground.
“The only way Shekarau became governor of Kano State was because people lined up. When they asked, ‘How many people are there?’ they said, ‘Over 500,000.’ No, I won’t kill over 500,000; announce Shekarau,” he recalled, suggesting that sheer numbers and mass mobilization played a decisive role in the outcome.
He also compared Nigeria’s situation to Ghana, where he claimed popular resistance influenced the election of the country’s last president. His message was clear—change does not happen without active participation and a willingness to confront obstacles head-on.
Politicians Won’t Give Up Power Easily
Amaechi did not hold back in his assessment of the Nigerian political landscape. He cautioned against the belief that power would be handed over willingly, emphasizing that politicians are often willing to go to great lengths to hold onto it.
“You are talking and abusing people. Nobody has power and will give it to you, not even me,” he said, challenging Nigerians to take decisive action if they desire a leadership change.
“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,” he added, in a statement that appeared to dismiss any expectations of voluntary power transfer by President Bola Tinubu or any other political figure.
Lessons from 2015: When APC Took on PDP
Amaechi, a key player in the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, reflected on how the opposition then successfully unseated an incumbent government. He described how the APC, under his leadership and that of other opposition figures, had to fight to secure their victory.
According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan eventually conceded defeat because he realized that the APC was fully prepared to resist any attempts to undermine their victory.
“Power is never given; it must be fought for. If you’re not ready to fight, don’t expect change,” Amaechi stated, reinforcing his message to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi has recently exhibited a strained relationship with President Bola Tinubu and his administration. This tension stems from several incidents and public statements.
In October 2024, Amaechi criticised the government’s economic policies, expressing surprise that Nigerians were not protesting against the high cost of living and fuel prices. He remarked on the difficulty of affording basic necessities, including diesel, and implied that those in power were mismanaging resources. The All Progressives Congress (APC) responded by accusing Amaechi of inciting violence and being a significant contributor to the nation’s economic challenges during his tenure in various governmental roles.
Earlier, in July 2022, following the APC presidential primary, Amaechi alleged that delegates were bribed to influence the outcome, suggesting that many regretted their decisions. This claim was perceived as a direct critique of Tinubu’s victory, leading to public disagreements between Amaechi and Tinubu’s allies.
Additionally, in August 2024, a court ruling reinstated the Emeke Beke-led executive of the APC in Rivers State, a faction loyal to Amaechi. This development disrupted the political influence of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a Tinubu ally, in the state. The reinstatement was seen as a setback to Tinubu’s political strategies in Rivers State, further straining relations between Amaechi and the administration.
