January 30, 2025
By Idris Buba
Former minister of transportat in the Mohammadu Bihari’s administration, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that no politician not even President Bola Tinubu would easily cede power to the younger generation, stating that politicians often resorted to extreme measures to secure electoral victories and remain in power.
Amaechi disclosed this at the national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, in Abuja.
While speaking at the event, Amaechi said, “All we hear here is typical Nigeria, and you’re clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because you have a short memory. None of you here can defend the votes. You have complained; Nigerians have been clapping for you.”
The former governor of Rivers state, emphasized that Nigerian politicians are determined to retain power by any means possible, citing past events in Nigeria and Ghana as examples, he said even if citizens demand change, power would not be freely relinquished.
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He continued, “It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, many of us were called to intervene. Why? Because the people were ready to die.”
Amaechi further stated, “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 in Nigeria is there to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power.
“If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi, maintained and called for political vigilance.
Recounting his 2015 presidential election experience, Amaechi said APC’s success was due to leaders of the party’s determination to go the extra mile.
He noted that President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat in 2015 presidential election because APC was prepared to
defend its mandate.
“But the truth is that if some of us did not stick out our necks to say PDP, Goodluck, we want to die with you. When they saw that we were ready to die, they gave up power,” he said
