A heated exchange erupted in Abuja between the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, as both political figures clashed over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The summit, held on Tuesday and organised by the Movement for Electoral Reform, was meant to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. However, it turned dramatic when Amaechi, in his speech, criticised the Tinubu-led government, describing it as “insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.”
The former minister lamented the growing economic hardship across the country and accused the current administration of failing to protect Nigerians from worsening poverty and rising living costs.
“People are suffering, yet there is no ASUU, no NLC, no NANS to mount pressure on the government,” Amaechi said. “Nigerians are quiet when they should be demanding accountability. If things continue this way, this government can be defeated through democratic means.”
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the Buhari administration, said the government’s economic policies have deepened hardship instead of providing relief.
He accused political leaders of losing touch with ordinary citizens and failing to deliver on promises of good governance.
“The level of silence among Nigerians today is worrying. There is so much suffering, but the people are afraid or tired of speaking up,” Amaechi said during his address.
He lamented the high inflation, unemployment, and depreciation of the naira, noting that many families are struggling to afford basic needs such as food and healthcare.
According to Amaechi, “We must begin to hold those in power accountable. Democracy is not only about voting; it is about ensuring that elected leaders deliver.”
His comments immediately drew murmurs across the hall, with several participants nodding in agreement, while others whispered their disapproval.
However, Amaechi’s criticism did not sit well with former senator Shehu Sani, who took the microphone shortly after to deliver a fiery response.
Sani accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, saying that he had little moral standing to lecture Nigerians on governance or accountability.
“You were part of governance from the state to the centre for many years, with little or no remarkable achievement,” Sani said bluntly. “You are now attacking Nigerians for not protesting, but you yourself never led any protest when you were in power.”
The outspoken former lawmaker argued that many of the challenges Nigeria faces today—including corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement—were the cumulative results of years of bad governance by successive administrations.
“All that he is pointing out as bad were problems created by leaders like him,” Sani continued. “It is ironic that after two years out of power, he has suddenly become a critic. We cannot rewrite history. Those who contributed to Nigeria’s present condition cannot now act as if they are outsiders.”
His remarks drew mixed reactions from the audience—some applauded his bluntness, while others called for calm, urging the speakers to focus on the summit’s objectives.
Both Amaechi and Sani are known for their outspokenness and controversial roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Rotimi Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, served as governor from 2007 to 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the APC, where he became a key ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He served as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023 and was also a presidential aspirant in the APC primaries that produced Bola Tinubu as the party’s flagbearer.
Shehu Sani, on the other hand, is a civil rights activist turned politician. He represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019 under the APC but later defected to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). Sani has been a consistent critic of government policies, advocating for human rights, transparency, and good governance.
Given their political backgrounds, the clash between both men at the summit did not come as a surprise to many observers.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faced criticism over his administration’s economic policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, which have led to increased inflation and higher cost of living.
While the government insists that these reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy in the long term, many Nigerians have complained of severe hardship. Labour unions, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), have organised protests in the past year but have often suspended actions after negotiations with the government.
Amaechi’s statement that “Nigerians are quiet” was seen as a reflection of growing public frustration and perceived fatigue among citizens who feel their voices no longer influence government decisions.
The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, was organised by the Movement for Electoral Reform to address issues surrounding Nigeria’s electoral system, democratic accountability, and citizen participation.
The event brought together politicians, civil society leaders, and election experts to discuss reforms that could strengthen democracy ahead of the next general elections.
Other notable attendees included Dr Usman Bugaje, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman Peter Ameh, former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr Yunusa Tanko, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Despite the heated moment between Amaechi and Sani, organisers said the summit achieved its goal of stimulating debate on the state of governance and the need for electoral reforms in Nigeria.
After the exchange, some participants urged political leaders to prioritise constructive dialogue rather than personal attacks. Dr Usman Bugaje, one of the panellists, reminded attendees that the summit was about improving democracy, not trading blame.
