Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed concerns about Nigerians not being willing to fight for their mandate during elections but relying solely on politicians’ rhetoric and financial inducements.
He stated that he believes President Bola Tinubu is not prepared to let go of power in 2027.
Amaechi said this in a statement in Abuja during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
He revealed that when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was newly formed, the chieftains of the party paid women to demonstrate against the then ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and then President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.
According to Amaechi, Nigerians don’t ask serious questions about governance but rather focus on short-term benefits like 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’.”
“When APC was registered, I feared they might rig us out. So, we agreed to organise 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.
“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 noted that citizens who expect a change from the political elite and President Tinubu’s administration, would be disappointed.
Amaechi said, “Nobody has power that will give it to you, not even me.”
He pointed out that Nigerian politicians, including Tinubu, are more interested in maintaining power through manipulation and violence than in fair governance.
“None of you here seated can defend the votes, you have complained, complained, and Nigerians have clapped for you.”
Source: www.mynigeria.com
