Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed concerns that Bola Tinubu may not be willing to step down in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, Amaechi criticized Nigerian voters, accusing them of being easily influenced by politicians’ rhetoric and financial inducements.
He acknowledged that when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was newly formed, its leaders paid women to protest against the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Amaechi lamented that many citizens fail to ask critical governance-related questions and instead focus on short-term benefits such as transport fares provided by politicians.
“We have sweet mouths; we repeat the same things every day. Tomorrow, they will call you in Lagos, and you will go. Somebody told me in Lagos, ‘Mr. Amaechi, these people that gathered here, we called them, gave them transport money, and they came. If tomorrow Tinubu does the same, they will also come,’” he said.
He further recalled his experience during the early days of the APC, revealing how financial incentives were used to mobilize party supporters for demonstrations.
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“When APC was registered, I feared they might rig us out. So, we agreed to organize a demonstration at Eagle Square. We paid people to bring women and others. When I arrived early to assess the situation, I was shocked to see that the women we brought were wearing ‘Jonathan for President’ shirts.”
The former minister criticized Nigerian voters for failing to hold politicians accountable.
“All we have here is typical Nigerians, typical Nigerians, and you are clapping. That’s why politicians get away with everything—get away with murder—because you have short memory.”
He warned that those hoping for change from the political elite, including the current administration, would be disappointed.
“Nobody has power that will give it to you, not even me.”
Amaechi also accused Nigerian politicians, including Tinubu, of prioritizing power retention through manipulation and violence rather than ensuring good governance.
He cautioned that those expecting Tinubu to step down willingly were wasting their time, stressing, “None of you here seated can defend the votes, you have complained, complained, and Nigerians have clapped for you.”
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