A civil society group, the Coalition for the Defence of Nigeria’s Democracy (CDND), has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over comments it described as inciting and dangerous.
The group raised alarm following Amaechi’s recent speech at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report in Abuja, where he reportedly suggested that no revolution can succeed without bloodshed. CDND says such comments are a threat to Nigeria’s fragile unity and democracy.
In a statement signed by its National President, Dr Rufus Obadiah, CDND said Amaechi’s remarks are not mere political expressions but “a call to arms” that could spark unrest as the 2027 general elections approach.
“Amaechi said Nigerians must take their fate into their own hands to stop President Bola Tinubu in 2027 — and he linked that to revolution and bloodshed. That is dangerous,” Obadiah said.
The group likened Amaechi’s statements to those of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, saying both men have promoted unrest through inflammatory rhetoric. It urged the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to take immediate action.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared his intention to run for president in 2027. He claimed he only needs one term to fix the country, but the CDND dismissed his record in public service as “disappointing.”
CDND criticised Amaechi’s role in Nigeria’s transportation sector, especially the handling of rail projects and Chinese-funded loans. The group accused him of presiding over failed or incomplete infrastructure despite years in office.
“What exactly is he campaigning on? The debts? The unfinished rail lines? Nigerians should not be deceived by fiery speeches,” Obadiah said.
The group also took issue with Amaechi’s statement blaming citizens for being “docile” while the elite continue to control the system. CDND described the comment as “arrogant and insensitive,” saying it shifts blame away from leaders who failed in governance.
It also warned the ADC to distance itself from what it called “extremist populism” or risk being seen as a haven for politicians promoting chaos.
CDND concluded by urging young Nigerians not to fall for violent rhetoric disguised as reform, saying true change must come through peaceful democratic means.
“The 2027 election is not a war,” Obadiah said. “No democracy survives when former ministers speak of bloodshed as a tool for power.”