₦airaland Forum

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that Nigerian politicians often resort to extreme measures to win elections.

Amaechi stated this in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

The former governor of Rivers state, who harped on the need for political vigilance, warned that power must be fought for, urging Nigerians to always safeguard their votes if they intend to achieve a semblance of credible leadership.

“None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you. 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,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirant in the 2023 general election, recounted his experience in the days leading to the 2015 presidential election when a newly formed APC defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He attributed APC’s success to the determination and preparedness of leaders of the party to go the extra mile.

According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat only after realising that the APC was fully prepared to defend its mandate, charging citizens to adopt similar measures in future elections.

DAILY POST recalls that in October 2024, Amaechi said he was disappointed in Nigerians for their laid-back disposition to the prevailing economic hardship.

Meanwhile, the ruling APC had clapped back at Amaechi, saying he is one of those who destroyed Nigeria.

Amaechi was one of the 14 aspirants who sought the presidential ticket of the APC before the 2023 general election.

He polled second in the primary election with 316 votes, behind eventual winner Tinubu, who secured 1,271 votes.

EmperorCaesar:


Winners celebrate, losers rant

The fact that you are already talking about 2027 election in Jan 2025 shows you only care about power and would prolly do worse if you had your way

Useless take from a Useless citizen

Bobloco:

givedemwotowoto:
The fact that they're talking about 2027 in 2025 shows they can't wait to correct the mistake that was made in 2023. I'm sure if they could do it with a national vote of (no) confidence it will be decisive and resolute.