Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has warned that President Bola Tinubu will not easily cede power to the younger generation.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development in Abuja, Amaechi emphasised that politicians often resort to extreme measures to secure electoral victory.
The former Rivers State governor stressed the importance of political vigilance, urging Nigerians to remain proactive in safeguarding their votes.
He further cautioned that power is not freely given and must be actively fought for if the nation is to achieve credible leadership.
“None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you,” he said.
“The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up.
“It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, a lot of us were called to intervene. But why did they do that? The people were ready to die.
“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.”
Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers state governor, shared his insights into the 2015 presidential election, where the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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Amaechi credited the APC’s victory to the unwavering determination and readiness of its leaders, who were prepared to go to great lengths to secure the mandate. He recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan ultimately conceded defeat after realizing that the APC was fully equipped to defend its victory.
The former governor of Rivers State urged Nigerians to adopt similar vigilance and preparedness in future elections to ensure the success of democracy.
In a separate remark from October 2024, Amaechi expressed disappointment with Nigerians’ passive attitude toward the ongoing economic struggles, calling for more active participation and commitment to addressing the country’s challenges.
“The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” he had said.
